As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Compensation Program Manager in the United States is $147,025 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.
However, a Compensation Program Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Compensation Program 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 a Compensation Program 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Compensat... Level Compensation Program Manager | $126,245 |
| Compensat... Level Compensation Program Manager | $121,140 |
| Compensat... Level Compensation Program Manager | $138,566 |
| Compensat... Level Compensation Program Manager | $174,348 |
| Compensat... Level Compensation Program Manager | $207,628 |
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 Compensation Program Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 12.7% |
| Market Pricing | 2.47% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.35% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Partnering
|
$152,906 |
4%
|
|
Consulting
|
$152,906 |
4%
|
|
Executive Compensation
|
$152,906 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$151,436 |
3%
|
|
Project Management
|
$151,436 |
3%
|
|
Alignment
|
$151,436 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Compensation Program 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 a Compensation Program Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $136,033 and $144,729).
Compensation Program Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 4.2% |
| Associates | 2.5% |
| Bachelors | 47.5% |
| Masters | 43.2% |
| Doctorate | 2.1% |
Understanding how a Compensation Program 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, 2021Salaries for a Compensation Program Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $122,639 in 2023 to around $120,136 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Compensation Program Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $122,639 |
| 2024 | $122,150 |
| 2025 | $120,136 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Compensation Program Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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