Compensation Designs Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Compensation Designs in the United States is $84,806. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $41. Salaries at Compensation Designs typically range from $74,390 to $96,100 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Compensation Designs Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Compensation Designs. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Chief Executive Officer, with an annual salary of $656,472. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Compensation Designs

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Compensation Designs. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Compensation Designs’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Compensation Designs's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Marmo Financial Group LLC $78,013
-8.0%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Marmo Financial Group LLC primarily operates.
Verdad $100,807
+18.9%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Verdad's primary metro hubs.
ProPartners Wealth $83,814
-1.2%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
Tritium Private Wealth Strategies $94,542
+11.5%
Reflects structural premiums typical of Tritium Private Wealth Strategies's large-cap national operations.
Financial Services Industry $121,514
+43.3%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Compensation Designs

Considering a career at Compensation Designs? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
I feel like I’m building a long-term career, not just doing a job. Everyone brings their best, which motivates me to do the same every day. Communication tends to be top-down, with little room for grassroots innovation. There’s not a lot of creative freedom, but job security and organization are strong.
It's exciting to be part of an institution shaping the future of finance. It's inspiring to work alongside such knowledgeable professionals in a culture that prioritizes both performance and personal growth. Supportive team, clear expectations, and meaningful work define this organization. Structure is the company’s strong suit. It’s a stable, rewarding environment with a positive long-term outloo...
The company encourages continuous learning and values employee feedback. The inclusive culture fosters teamwork and innovation, making the workplace engaging. Public transit options abound. Competitors respect our work.

Compensation Designs Overview

Website
www.cdsplans.com
Founded In
1987
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Financial Services
Headquarter Address
1603 22nd St West Des Moines Iowa IA 50266
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 5152210316
Social Media
About Compensation Designs
Compensation Designs (CDS) was established in 1985. Initially, CDS designed employee benefit plans, exempt plans, and created tax favored retirement plans. Employers retained us to advise on retirement plans, prepare employee communication books, and create retirement plans for senior management personnel. Once created, CDS met periodically with each client to track performance and determine that

What Benefits Does Compensation Designs Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Compensation Designs offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Des Moines?

Understanding the cost of living near Des Moines is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Compensation Designs.
Des Moines' Cost of Living Index is approximately 80.8 (19.2% less expensive than US average; 10.1% less than IA average). State capital, affordable housing, growing. DART bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Compensation Designs, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $850 - $1,300+ A significant portion of Compensation Designs salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $48 (DART monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $370 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $650+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,078 - $3,328+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Compensation Designs

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Compensation Designs?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Compensation Designs is approximately from $74,390 to $96,100. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Compensation Designs pay compared to Marmo Financial Group LLC?

The average annual salary at Compensation Designs is $84,806, or an hourly wage of $41, in comparison to Marmo Financial Group LLC which pays $78,013 per year or $38 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Compensation Designs?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Compensation Designs due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Compensation Designs?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Compensation Designs, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Compensation Designs in Des Moines is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Compensation Designs in Des Moines is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Compensation Designs and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Des Moines" to understand its purchasing power.

6. What factors influence salary increases at Compensation Designs?

Salary increases at Compensation Designs are likely influenced by a combination of factors, including: individual employee performance against set goals, overall company performance and profitability, budget availability, changes in the market rate for similar roles (market adjustments), and sometimes cost-of-living increases.