Compensation and Benefits Managers
Compensation and benefits managers plan, develop, and oversee programs to pay employees.
Is compensation and benefits managers a good career?
It scores 26/100 and ranks #184 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($149,230 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+0.2%)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
- Often needs prior experience (5 years or more)
What compensation and benefits managers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. compensation and benefits managers earn between $113,170 and $200,610 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live compensation and benefits managers jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- 5 years or more
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow little or no change through 2034.
Education
For most positions, compensation and benefits managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or a related field, such as social science or psychology.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although not required, certification gives compensation and benefits managers credibility because it shows that they have expertise. Employers may prefer to hire candidates with certification, and some positions require it.
Certification often requires several years of related work experience and passing an exam. Professional associations offer certification programs that may be helpful for compensation and benefits managers.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Compensation and benefits managers analyze data on wages and salaries and the cost of benefits, and they assess and devise programs that best fit an organization and its employees.
Business skills. These managers oversee a budget, build a case for their recommendations, and understand how compensation and benefits plans affect an organization’s finances.
Communication skills. Compensation and benefits managers direct staff, give presentations, and work with colleagues. With each of these groups, they must be able to clearly explain concepts and respond to concerns.
Decision-making skills. These managers weigh the strengths and weaknesses of different pay structures and benefits plans and choose the best options for an organization.
Leadership skills. Compensation and benefits managers coordinate the activities of their staff and administer compensation and benefits programs, ensuring that the work is completed accurately and on schedule.
Related occupations
How much do compensation and benefits managers make?
The national median wage is $149,230 a year, with the middle half earning between $113,170 and $200,610 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is compensation and benefits managers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 26 of 100 and ranks #184 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +0.2% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a compensation and benefits manager?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, usually with 5 years or more.
Where do compensation and benefits managers earn the most?
Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($199,190). Local pay for every state and metro is below.