How much does a benefits interviewer make?
a year · about $26 an hour
A typical benefits interviewer in the United States makes $54,210 a year, about $26 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Some states may accept a visual sign, such as American Sign Language, as a SNAP applicant’s signature during an interview.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $38,900 and $74,690How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like keeping things organized and helping and teaching
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($74,080), lowest in Mississippi ($36,840).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: Determine eligibility of persons applying to receive assistance from government programs and agency resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security, and public housing.
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