As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Compensation Specialist II in the United States is $79,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Compensation Specialist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Compensation Specialist II'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 Specialist II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation Specialist I | 0-2 years | $66,345 |
| Compensation Specialist II | 2-4 years | $79,193 |
| Compensation Specialist III | 4-7 years | $103,877 |
| Compensation Specialist IV | 7+ years | $126,134 |
| Compensation Team Leader | 7+ years | $120,951 |
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 Specialist IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 18.14% |
| Microsoft Office | 2% |
| Data Analysis | 1.57% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Compensation Planning
|
$83,160 |
5%
|
|
Partnering
|
$83,160 |
5%
|
|
Executive Compensation
|
$83,160 |
5%
|
|
Project Management
|
$82,368 |
4%
|
|
Economics
|
$81,576 |
3%
|
|
Insight
|
$81,576 |
3%
|
Compensation Specialist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,660. While startup companies pay approximate $75,004.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,004 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,326 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $85,617 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $88,660 |
For Compensation Specialist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 32% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Compensation Specialist positions in Biotechnology or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Compensation Specialist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $93,456 | $45.0 | 18% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $91,872 | $44.0 | 16% |
| Insurance | $87,120 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $84,744 | $41.0 | 7% |
| Internet | $83,952 | $40.0 | 6% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Compensation Specialist IIs 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 Specialist II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $77,278 and $81,584).
Compensation Specialist II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 1.0% |
| Associates | 4.1% |
| Bachelors | 46.6% |
| Masters | 45.6% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
Understanding how a Compensation Specialist II'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Compensation Specialist II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Level III Stock Plan Administrator | $105,000 | 33% |
| Compensation Specialist III | $103,900 | 31% |
| Senior Executive Compensation Analyst | $112,800 | 42% |
Salaries for a Compensation Specialist II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $72,989 in 2023 to around $72,099 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Compensation Specialist II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $72,989 |
| 2024 | $72,561 |
| 2025 | $72,099 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Compensation Specialist II roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.
A good salary in the USA typically falls between $73,400 and $90,000 annually for roles like a Compensation Specialist. While individual circumstances vary, this range is often considered competitive and reflects a solid standard of living.
A Compensation Specialist typically earns an annual salary ranging from $73,400 to $90,000. This translates to a monthly salary between approximately $6,116 and $7,500. The average salary for this role is around $81,000 per year, equating to about $6,750 per month.
Salary grade 2 typically indicates a range of compensation for positions with specific responsibilities and experience levels. For a Compensation Specialist, the salary range is approximately $73,400 to $90,000, with a midpoint of $81,000. This structure allows for progression within the grade based on experience and performance.
Compensation pay in salary refers to the total earnings an employee receives, which includes the base salary and additional benefits. For a Compensation Specialist, the salary ranges from $73,400 to $90,000, with a midpoint of $81,000. This total compensation reflects both monetary and non-monetary benefits provided to the employee.
A compensation specialist role is a highly specialized HR profession, making it a great career choice for those who enjoy analytical work. With salaries ranging from $73,400 to $90,000, this position is ideal for individuals interested in HR with a focus on math, research, and analytics. It's a rewarding path for those who thrive in data-driven environments.
The salary for a Compensation Specialist in the US ranges from $73,400 to $90,000 per year, with a median salary of $81,000. This reflects the competitive compensation for specialists in this field, ensuring they are rewarded for their expertise and contributions.
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.)
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