Compensation and Benefits Manager Salary in 2026
How Much Do Compensation and Benefits Managers Make?
Compensation and Benefits Managers earn a median annual salary of $140,360 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $81,660 at the 10th percentile to $239,200 at the 90th percentile — a range of $157,540. The highest-paying state is Washington at $206,320.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,660 |
| 25th percentile | $105,210 |
| Median (50th) | $140,360 |
| 75th percentile | $190,890 |
| 90th percentile | $239,200 |
Compensation and Benefits Manager Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $206,320 |
| Rhode Island | $183,140 |
| New Jersey | $182,660 |
| Massachusetts | $181,910 |
| New York | $176,390 |
| Virginia | $171,300 |
| District of Columbia | $160,800 |
| California | $160,740 |
| Colorado | $159,570 |
| Connecticut | $147,070 |
| Oregon | $145,630 |
| Minnesota | $143,990 |
| Maryland | $143,910 |
| Maine | $143,090 |
| Wisconsin | $142,360 |
| Georgia | $141,200 |
| Michigan | $139,670 |
| Texas | $136,610 |
| Utah | $132,920 |
| New Hampshire | $132,240 |
| Ohio | $128,460 |
| Illinois | $127,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $125,790 |
| North Carolina | $125,650 |
| Tennessee | $122,490 |
| Alaska | $119,380 |
| Florida | $114,030 |
| Alabama | $110,450 |
| Indiana | $110,300 |
| Nebraska | $109,950 |
| Kansas | $108,790 |
| Idaho | $108,600 |
| Kentucky | $108,100 |
| Iowa | $106,500 |
| New Mexico | $104,840 |
| Arkansas | $102,370 |
| Oklahoma | $99,310 |
| Missouri | $97,530 |
| Hawaii | $95,260 |
| West Virginia | $94,990 |
| South Carolina | $93,890 |
| Louisiana | $92,710 |
| Mississippi | $89,830 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Compensation and Benefits Managers
Compensation and Benefits Manager Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$81,660 – $105,210 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$140,360 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$190,890 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $239,200+ |
How to Earn More as a Compensation and Benefits Manager
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Compensation and Benefits Managers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $220,680 — $80,320 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($190,890) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Compensation and Benefits Manager Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Compensation and Benefits Managerthis career | $140,360 |
| Chief Executive | $206,420 |
| Administrative Services Manager | $108,390 |
| Financial Manager | $161,700 |
| Treasurers and Controller | $161,700 |
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SOC: 11-3111.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.