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Pensions administrator

Alternative titles for this job include

Pensions administrators handle the day-to-day running of pension schemes and life insurance policies.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£34,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Pensions administrator

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:

  • Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Business and Administration
  • T Level in Finance

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an advanced apprenticeship as a workplace pension administrator or a financial services administrator. 

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as an assistant administrator and do training on the job with organisations like the Pensions Management Institute and the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for vacancies. Employers will expect you to be good with numbers, know how to use common office software and be able to communicate well, both verbally and in writing. Some companies may prefer you to have at least two A levels.

Previous experience in customer service, accounts or office work would also be helpful.

More Information

Further information

You can find more advice about working in pensions from Pension Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • persistence and determination
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • answer queries by phone, letter and email
  • use a computer system to check and update records
  • calculate the amount of money people will receive
  • process money paid towards a person's pension
  • transfer benefits from one pension to another
  • arrange the payment of pensions
  • keep up to date with pension and tax laws

Working environment

You could work in a contact centre or in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could further your career with a qualification in pensions administration or calculations.

With experience, you could become a team leader, supervisor or pensions manager. With further study, you could qualify as a financial adviser.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Delegated Authority Associate Apprentice

  • Wage: £26,000 a year Annually
  • Location: London

Apprentice Financial Administrator

  • Wage: £16,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Endeavour Park, Boston, Lincs
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

BTEC Introductory Diploma in Vocational Studies - Business (Level 1)

  • Provider: NCG
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: London

L4 Diploma in Business Administration

  • Provider: WEST THAMES COLLEGE
  • Start date: 22 September 2025
  • Location: Isleworth
Find courses near you

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