As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for an Executive Compensation Manager in the United States is $185,848 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $89.
However, an Executive Compensation Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Executive Compensation Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Executive Compensation Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation Analyst I | 0-2 years | $74,764 |
| Executive Compensation Analyst II | 2-4 years | $85,869 |
| Executive Compensation Analyst III | 4-7 years | $112,740 |
| Executive Compensation Manager | 7+ years | $185,848 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Executive Compensation Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 13.95% |
| Market Pricing | 2.44% |
| Talent Acquisition | 1.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$193,282 |
4%
|
|
Accounting
|
$189,565 |
2%
|
|
Project Management
|
$187,706 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Executive Compensation Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Executive Compensation Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $177,127 and $189,175).
Executive Compensation Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.6% |
| High School | 28.9% |
| Associates | 2.6% |
| Bachelors | 28.9% |
| Masters | 63.2% |
| Doctorate | 5.3% |
Understanding how an Executive Compensation Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For an Executive Compensation Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Compensation Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $207,379 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Salaries for an Executive Compensation Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $157,016 in 2023 to around $156,176 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Executive Compensation Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $157,016 |
| 2024 | $157,837 |
| 2025 | $156,176 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Executive Compensation Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Executive Compensation Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Executive Compensation Manager is $234,410.
The highest pay for Executive Compensation Manager is $211,117.
The lowest pay for Executive Compensation Manager is $166,751.
Responsible for the analysis and administration of executive compensation programs, annual and long-term incentive programs, and deferred compensation plans. Provide consultation on executive compensation matters to senior executives and human resources. Oversees the preparation of compensation data for proxy disclosure and compensation committee meetings. Assists executive directly or engages/manages outside consultants with tax matters related to compensation. Directs the salary survey process and evaluates market data for executive positions. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. May require Certified Compensation Professional. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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