Compensation and Benefits Managers
Compensation and benefits managers plan and direct an organization's pay and benefits programs. They work in human resources departments across industries—manufacturing, healthcare, finance, government, and nonprofits—developing strategies to attract and retain employees while managing costs.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against compensation and benefits managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes analyzing salary data and market trends, reviewing benefit plan options with vendors, meeting with department heads about compensation budgets, and preparing reports on payroll expenses. Managers might audit benefits usage, design new incentive programs, ensure compliance with labor laws, or present recommendations to senior leadership about cost containment and employee retention.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You thrive in structured environments with clear processes and rules—the conventional interest. You also have an enterprising drive to shape organizational strategy and influence business outcomes through strategic compensation decisions that affect the bottom line.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Compensation and Leave Program Manager · Treasury, Departmental Offices · Multiple Locations · $125776–$187093
- Manager for Compensation, Payroll, and Awards, NB-0201-VI.2 · Office of the Comptroller of the Currency · Washington, District of Columbia · $145271–$270766
- Manager, Executive Compensation · Labcorp · United States · Remote
- Life, Annuity & Group Benefits Operations Consultant - Manager · PwC · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $113,834–$113,834
- Pharmacist (Facility Program Manager - Pharmacy Benefits Manager) · Veterans Health Administration · Palo Alto, California · $177304–$228000
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $140,850 | $199,190 | $256,570 | 460 |
| Connecticut | $131,520 | $197,970 | $282,410 | 480 |
| Massachusetts | $161,000 | $184,070 | $223,150 | 670 |
| New York | $137,420 | $175,620 | $223,040 | 2,260 |
| New Jersey | $137,720 | $168,370 | $210,850 | 950 |
| California | $127,420 | $166,730 | $217,510 | 2,970 |
| Delaware | $148,730 | $166,070 | $220,470 | 50 |
| Colorado | $130,290 | $165,770 | $203,760 | 280 |
| Minnesota | $127,260 | $163,390 | $203,850 | 360 |
| Georgia | $124,790 | $163,060 | $215,050 | 1,010 |
| Oregon | $127,290 | $161,470 | $180,750 | 240 |
| District of Columbia | $129,540 | $160,990 | $204,230 | 130 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Sales Compensation Professional (CSCP) — WorldatWork
- Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) — WorldatWork
- Certified in Flexible Compensation (CFC) — Employers Council on Flexible Compensation
- Certified Flexible Compensation Instructor (CFCI) — Employers Council on Flexible Compensation
- Flexible Compensation Specialist (FCS) — Employers Council on Flexible Compensation
- Fundamentals in Group Benefits (FGB) — International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against compensation and benefits managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-3111.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.