Pensions administrator
Also known as: pension fund administrator, investments administrator, pension plans clerk, pension administrator, pension scheme administrator, administrator of pensions
About this occupation
Pensions administrators perform administrative duties in the management of pension schemes, ensuring the correct calculation of client's pension benefits, compliance with legal requirements, drafting reports and communicating relevant information to customers. They work either in the private or the public sector.
A specialisation of social security officer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- comply with legal regulations
- types of pensions
- provide financial product information
- protect client interests
- government social security programmes
- social security law
- actuarial science
- obtain financial information
- apply technical communication skills
- ensure information transparency
- calculate benefits
- advise on social security benefits
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Actuaries (O*NET 15-2011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Analyze data to determine premium rates required and cash reserves and liabilities necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
- Analyze statistical information to estimate mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates.
- Design, review, and help administer insurance, annuity and pension plans, determining financial soundness and calculating premiums.
- Collaborate with programmers, underwriters, accounts, claims experts, and senior management to help companies develop plans for new lines of business or improvements to existing business.
- Provide advice to clients on a contract basis, working as a consultant.
- Determine, or help determine, company policy, and explain complex technical matters to company executives, government officials, shareholders, policyholders, or the public.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Investigative, Enterprising
Top skills: Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$130,000 a year (2025), 26,670 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsExtremely important (4.8)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingVery important (4.1)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.1)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Personal Financial Advisors
- Financial Risk Specialists
- Financial and Investment Analysts
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Accountants and Auditors
- Economists
- Insurance Underwriters
- Statistical Assistants
- Financial Examiners
- Financial Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.