Retirement Plan Jobs in California

Entry‑level Analyst: $55,000–$70,000; Mid‑level Manager: $80,000–$100,000; Senior Director: $120,000–$150,000; C-suite Executive: $180,000+ depending on firm size.

Core skills: ERISA knowledge, fiduciary duty, data analysis, Excel, SQL, and plan software (e.g., Fidelity, Vanguard). Certifications: PTC (Plan and Trust Compliance), CFP (Certified Financial Planner), and Actuarial credentials (Associate or Fellow).

Yes—many firms offer hybrid or fully remote roles, especially for analysts and compliance staff, as plan data can be accessed securely via VPN and cloud platforms.

Typical trajectory: Analyst → Senior Analyst → Manager → Senior Manager → Director of Retirement Solutions → VP of Benefits. Each step adds fiduciary responsibility, client portfolio management, and strategic planning.

Key trends include fintech integration for automated plan management, ESG‑aligned investment options, increased regulatory scrutiny (e.g., SEC 2025 updates), and higher demand for data‑driven plan optimization.