Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Compensation and benefits managers typically need a bachelor’s degree and related work experience. PayThe median annual wage for compensation and benefits managers was $149,230 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of compensation and benefits managers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,600 openings for compensation and benefits managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for compensation and benefits managers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of compensation and benefits managers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about compensation and benefits managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for compensation and benefits managers was $149,230 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of compensation and benefits managers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,600 openings for compensation and benefits managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for compensation and benefits managers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of compensation and benefits managers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about compensation and benefits managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of compensation and benefits managers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,600 openings for compensation and benefits managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for compensation and benefits managers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of compensation and benefits managers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about compensation and benefits managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Compensation and benefits managers plan, develop, and oversee programs to pay employees.
Work Environment
Compensation and benefits managers work in nearly every industry. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Compensation or Benefits Manager
Compensation and benefits managers typically need a bachelor’s degree and related work experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for compensation and benefits managers was $149,230 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of compensation and benefits managers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 1,600 openings for compensation and benefits managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for compensation and benefits managers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of compensation and benefits managers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about compensation and benefits managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Compensation and benefits managers work in nearly every industry. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Compensation or Benefits Manager
Compensation and benefits managers typically need a bachelor’s degree and related work experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for compensation and benefits managers was $149,230 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of compensation and benefits managers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 1,600 openings for compensation and benefits managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for compensation and benefits managers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of compensation and benefits managers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about compensation and benefits managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for compensation and benefits managers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of compensation and benefits managers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about compensation and benefits managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about compensation and benefits managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.