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Compensation & Benefits Specialist
💰 Earn $72K-$118K
📚 Bachelor Degree
⏱️ 24–48 Month Training
📈 5.3% Job Growth
- Shape employee satisfaction by designing competitive compensation and benefits packages.
- Ensure fair pay and compliance, impacting company culture and legal standing.
- Dive into the dynamic world of job analysis and classification for diverse roles.
What Compensation & Benefits Specialists DoConduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.
- Evaluate job positions, determining classification, exempt or non-exempt status, and salary.
- Ensure company compliance with federal and state laws, including reporting requirements.
- Prepare occupational classifications, job descriptions, and salary scales.
- Provide advice on the resolution of classification and salary complaints.
- Research job and worker requirements, structural and functional relationships among jobs and occupations, and occupational trends.
Compensation & Benefits Specialists Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings8,500 Annually
Median Earnings
$87,940 in California
$77,020 Nationally
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Real Talk Reel
We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.
Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Influencing or leading others
- Using data or completing tasks
you value
- Accomplishing things
- Having support
- Personal relationships
you are skilled in
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Go Deeper: Compensation & Benefits Specialists Explained
Compensation & Benefits SpecialistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
Hybrid CollegeA hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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