How much does a benefits interviewer make?
Answer: A typical benefits interviewer in the United States makes $54,210 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 155,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Benefits interviewer pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $38,900 | $54,210 | $74,690 | about 155,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $74,080 | about 640 |
| Connecticut | $71,940 | about 1,000 |
| Michigan | $66,830 | about 5,000 |
| Washington | $66,330 | about 4,000 |
| Massachusetts | $64,750 | about 2,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experienced workers with useful skills may earn more, and pay also differs by state or local area and employer. Two benefits interviewers can earn different pay even when they do similar work.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a benefits interviewer do?
Determine eligibility of persons applying to receive assistance from government programs and agency resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security, and public housing.
What's a typical day like?
They call applicants, review forms and financial details, and check them against program rules. They record each case, explain missing proof or next steps, and may connect people with other services.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school or earn a GED, then apply to a state or county benefits office; some jobs want customer-service experience or college or vocational study. Agencies train new hires in program rules and case systems.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and helping and teaching.
Did you know?
Some states may accept a visual sign, such as American Sign Language, as a SNAP applicant’s signature during an interview.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Office and Administrative Support jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-4061.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes434061.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state/interview-toolkit/choices/policy
- www.governmentjobs.com/careers/dhsgeorgia/jobs/newprint/5162713
- www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/newprint/5437184
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY