How to become compensation and benefits managerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$149,230

25th–75th pct. $113,170–$200,610

Top pay (est.)

$333,500

Top 10% $256,570

Pay in 5 years

$167,100est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$187,100est.

$160,900–$217,200

Outlook score

47/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

69%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+1.1%

1,600 openings / yr

How to become compensation and benefits managers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

5 years or more

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Compensation and Benefits Managers

Key skills

Writing

4.1

Active Listening

4.1

Speaking

4.1

Reading Comprehension

4.1

Critical Thinking

4.0

Active Learning

4.0

Judgment and Decision Making

4.0

Social Perceptiveness

3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Personnel and Human Resources

5.3

Customer and Personal Service

5.1

Administration and Management

4.9

Administrative

4.7

English Language

4.5

Mathematics

4.3

Education and Training

4.2

Economics and Accounting

3.8

What the work involves

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Written ComprehensionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionSpeech ClaritySpeech Recognition

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

76%

Master's degree

14%

Post-bachelor's certificate

10%

Training before entry

None / short demo

24%

3–6 months

24%

1–3 months

19%

1–2 years

14%

Up to 1 month

14%

6–12 months

Related work experience

4–6 years

52%

6–8 years

24%

Over 10 years

10%

8–10 years

10%

2–4 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as compensation and benefits managers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.