Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Compensation and Benefits Managers salary by state
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
About this role
Compensation and Benefits Managers is a professional role within the function in the Management job family.
Typical entry preparation: Bachelor's Degree and up to 2 years of related work experience, per O*NET occupational data. Advancement typically requires additional years in role.
Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits, compensation, and personnel policies.
Design, evaluate, and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.
Fulfill all reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Analyze compensation policies, government regulations, and prevailing wage rates to develop competitive compensation plan.
Identify and implement benefits to increase the quality of life for employees by working with brokers and researching benefits issues.
Top skills:WritingSpeakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingCritical Thinking
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Compensation and Benefits Managers pay by experience level
Entry level$92,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$117,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$154,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$207,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$265,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+0.2%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
1,500
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Compensation and Benefits Managers salary by industry
Management of Companies and Enterprises
5,500 workers
$180,500
Management of Companies and Enterprises
5,500 workers
$180,500
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
3,160 workers
$186,500
Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
2,770 workers
$171,000
Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities
2,130 workers
$170,500
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
1,390 workers
$130,500
Educational Services
1,260 workers
$133,500
Administrative and Support Services
1,240 workers
$142,000
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
910 workers
$138,500
Computer Systems Design and Related Services
890 workers
$183,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits, compensation, and personnel policies.
Design, evaluate, and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.
Fulfill all reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Analyze compensation policies, government regulations, and prevailing wage rates to develop competitive compensation plan.
Identify and implement benefits to increase the quality of life for employees by working with brokers and researching benefits issues.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Exempt · Professional, Administrative, or Executive exemption
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Exempt when paid above the salary threshold, provided they satisfy the duties test for one of the FLSA exemption categories. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
How this role compares
Compensation and Benefits Managers pays 17% above the average across 58 roles in the Management job family (family average $144,000).
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Compensation and Benefits Managers make?
The average base salary for a Compensation and Benefits Managers in the United States is $168,500 per year, or about $81.01 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $117,000 and $207,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Management roles?
The Management job family averages $144,000 across 58 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Compensation and Benefits Managers pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
