Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
Compensation and Benefits Managers
SOC: 11-3111 O*NET: 11-3111.00
Median Salary
$140,360
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.2%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
What does a Compensation and Benefits Managers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$81,660
10th percentile
Early Career
$105,210
25th percentile
Median
$140,360
50th percentile
Experienced
$190,890
75th percentile
Top Earners
$0
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$81,660
25th
$105,210
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$140,360
Mean: $156,230
75th
$190,890
90th
$0
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans -$81,660 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $105,210 and $190,890
- •Salary spread is 61.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 20,070 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:20,900
Top Industries
Management of Companies and Enterprises22.7%
Management of Companies and Enterprises22.7%
Management of Companies and Enterprises22.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.2%
Annual Openings:1,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)20,900
Current
2034 (Projected)20,900
+0.2%
0
Employment Change
+0.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Compensation and Benefits Managers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 44 locations
California
2,840 jobs$160,7401.21x
Texas
1,950 jobs$136,6101.08x
New York
1,760 jobs$176,3901.41x
Florida
1,480 jobs$114,0301.15x
Georgia
870 jobs$141,2001.38x
New Jersey
810 jobs$182,6601.47x
North Carolina
750 jobs$125,6501.18x
Pennsylvania
710 jobs$125,7900.91x
Massachusetts
670 jobs$181,9101.42x
Illinois
520 jobs$127,5300.66x
Washington
510 jobs$206,3201.12x
Virginia
480 jobs$171,3000.90x
Tennessee
480 jobs$122,4901.12x
Michigan
470 jobs$139,6700.83x
Wisconsin
450 jobs$142,3601.18x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Writing
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Reading Comprehension
80%
#5
Judgment and Decision Making
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Active Learning
60%
#8
Management of Personnel Resources
54%
#9
Time Management
46%
#10
Social Perceptiveness
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Writing
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.0
80%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Learning
intermediate3.0
60%
Management of Personnel Resources
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Writing
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Management of Personnel Resources
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys82%
5 shared skills
Brokerage Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Judicial Law Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Loan Interviewers and Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property73%
5 shared skills
Correspondence Clerks73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Writing
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Management of Personnel Resources
- →Critical Thinking
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Writing
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Writing
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Compensation and Benefits Managers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechOracle PeopleSoft
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechWorkday software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Illustrator
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software
Workday software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Office software
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Management & Supervision (4)Planning & Development (7)General Responsibilities (7)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)
1
Advise management on such matters as equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment, and discrimination.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision100% perform100%
2
Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits, compensation, and personnel policies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision97% perform98%
3
Administer, direct, and review employee benefit programs, including the integration of benefit programs following mergers and acquisitions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision94% perform96%
4
Plan and conduct new-employee orientations to foster positive attitude toward organizational objectives.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate work activities of subordinates and staff relating to employment, compensation, labor relations, and employee relations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Identify and implement benefits to increase the quality of life for employees by working with brokers and researching benefits issues.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Design, evaluate, and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Analyze compensation policies, government regulations, and prevailing wage rates to develop competitive compensation plan.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Formulate policies, procedures and programs for recruitment, testing, placement, classification, orientation, benefits and compensation, and labor and industrial relations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Mediate between benefits providers and employees, such as by assisting in handling employees' benefits-related questions or taking suggestions.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on management & supervision activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Compensation and Benefits Managers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Compensation and Benefits Managers professionals typically have a ECS Holland code and highly value relationships
EEnterprising
CConventional
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Compensation and Benefits Managers
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.71
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.67
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.48
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.38
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.29
Leadership
Very ImportantLeadership
Importance Level4.29
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.7
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.5
Initiative
4.4
Cooperation
4.3
Leadership
4.3
Analytical Thinking
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Concern for Others
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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