As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Compensation Specialist IV in the United States is $126,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Compensation Specialist IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Compensation Specialist IV'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 IV'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 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 |
| Manager Global Compensation | 7+ years | $138,449 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 18.79% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.21% |
| Compensation Analysis | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Executive Compensation
|
$141,344 |
12%
|
|
Salary Planning
|
$140,082 |
11%
|
|
Partnering
|
$136,296 |
8%
|
|
Consulting
|
$135,034 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$133,772 |
6%
|
|
Alignment
|
$132,510 |
5%
|
Compensation Specialist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $141,274. While startup companies pay approximate $119,514.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $119,514 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $126,400 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $136,425 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $141,274 |
For Compensation Specialist IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 27% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Compensation Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Compensation Specialist IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $145,130 | $70.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $141,344 | $68.0 | 12% |
| MFG Durable | $138,820 | $67.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $136,296 | $66.0 | 8% |
| Energy & Utilities | $135,034 | $65.0 | 7% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Compensation Specialist IVs 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $122,527 and $128,866).
Compensation Specialist IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.1% |
| High School | 1.0% |
| Associates | 1.0% |
| Bachelors | 49.0% |
| Masters | 45.8% |
| Doctorate | 2.1% |
Understanding how a Compensation Specialist IV'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 IV, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation Team Leader | $121,000 | -4% |
| Executive Compensation Analysis Manager | $186,100 | 47% |
Salaries for a Compensation Specialist IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $111,520 in 2023 to around $107,796 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Compensation Specialist IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $111,520 |
| 2024 | $108,764 |
| 2025 | $107,796 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Compensation Specialist IV roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
A GS-4 level job generally involves entry-level administrative tasks or support roles, often suitable for internships or students. Salaries for positions like a Compensation Specialist in this range typically start at $117,800, with a midpoint of $129,200 and a maximum of $141,700, reflecting the responsibilities and skills required at this level.
The pay rate for Executive Level IV is set at $195,200 as of January 2025. In comparison, the salary data for a Compensation Specialist shows a minimum salary of $117,800, a mid-salary of $129,200, and a maximum salary of $141,700. This indicates that Executive Level IV positions are compensated significantly higher than Compensation Specialists.
A Level 4 salary in the US typically ranges from $117,800 to $141,700 annually, with a midpoint of $129,200. This translates to approximately $56.65 to $68.14 per hour, or $9,816 to $11,808 monthly. The average annual pay for this level reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with the role.
A level 4 employee is one who has completed an apprenticeship or passed the relevant trade level test, working in maintenance and construction. They are solely responsible for their own work and oversee other employees. In terms of compensation, a Compensation Specialist in this role can expect a salary ranging from $117,800 to $141,700, with a midpoint of $129,200.
When comparing salaries, Compensation Specialists earn significantly more than both HR Generalists and HR Specialists. The salary range for Compensation Specialists is between $117,800 and $141,700, with a mid-salary of $129,200. In contrast, HR Generalists average around $58,240, while HR Specialists earn about $47,397. Thus, Compensation Specialists are the highest paid among these roles.
Yes, specialists tend to earn competitive salaries due to their specialized training. For example, a Compensation Specialist has a salary range from $117,800 to $141,700, with a midpoint of $129,200. This reflects the higher compensation associated with specialized roles compared to non-specialists.
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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