How Much Does a Compensation Lead make?

Compensation Lead made a median salary around $144,950 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $163,290 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $129,835. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $129,835 10% $116,074 90% $179,987 75% $163,290 $144,950 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for Compensation Lead

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Compensation Lead profession are Bellaire , Houston , Galena Park , Alief , South Houston .
Bellaire, TX $144,950
Houston, TX $144,950
Galena Park, TX $144,806
Alief, TX $144,806
South Houston, TX $144,661

Best-Paying States for Compensation Lead

The states and districts that pay Compensation Lead the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $160,847) , California (around $159,402) , New Jersey (around $158,390) , Alaska (around $157,379) , and Massachusetts (around $157,234) .
District of Columbia $160,847
California $159,402
New Jersey $158,390
Alaska $157,379
Massachusetts $157,234

What is the Career Path of Compensation Lead?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Compensation Lead, the first career path typically starts with a Compensation Senior Manager position , and then progresses to Top Compensation Executive.

Additionally, the second career path typically progresses to Executive Compensation Manager.

Besides, Compensation Lead can also turn to other related jobs, including Lead Compensation Analyst , Compensation Specialist IV , Principal Compensation Analyst and Compensation Analyst IV .

Frequently Asked Questions for Compensation Lead

Q: What is the salary range of Compensation Lead in Houston, TX?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Compensation Lead in Houston, TX earned an average annual salary of $129,835 , while the highest-paid made $163,290.
Q: What is the salary for a Compensation Lead in California?
A: Compensation Lead employed in California earned an average salary of $159,402 in 2024.

Average Compensation Lead Pay vs. Other Jobs

Compensation Lead earned an average salary of $144,950 in 2024. Other jobs related to Compensation Lead earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Lead Compensation Analyst made $104,647 , Compensation Specialist IV made $129,300 , Principal Compensation Analyst and Compensation Analyst IV made $129,240 and $129,240 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Compensation Lead

Lead Compensation Analyst - Average Salary $104,647
The Lead Compensation Analyst is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of the organization's compensation programs. This includes conducting market research and analysis to ensure competitive and equitable pay practices, designing and administering incentive and bonus programs, and providing guidance and support to HR and management on compensation-related matters. The Lead Compensation Analyst also leads a team of compensation analysts, providing mentorship and guidance to ensure the team's success in delivering accurate and timely compensation solutions. Additionally, they collaborate with other HR and business leaders to develop and implement strategies that support the organization's overall compensation philosophy and goals.
Compensation Specialist IV - Average Salary $129,300
The Compensation Specialist IV evaluates jobs, determines pay grades, participates in compensation surveys, and performs associated analysis. Analyzes, designs, and administers employer compensation programs, including base pay, incentive pay, and performance management programs. Being a Compensation Specialist IV may supervise and guide lower-level compensation analysts. Ensures that requests for pay adjustments comply with current compensation policy. In addition, Compensation Specialist IV requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to manager or head of a unit/department. Compensation Specialist IV is a specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. Working as a Compensation Specialist IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Principal Compensation Analyst - Average Salary $129,240
The Principal Compensation Analyst evaluates jobs, determines pay grades, participates in compensation surveys, and performs associated analysis. Analyzes, designs, and administers employer compensation programs, including base pay, incentive pay, and performance management programs. Being a Principal Compensation Analyst may supervise and guide lower-level compensation analysts. Ensures that requests for pay adjustments comply with current compensation policy. In addition, Principal Compensation Analyst requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to manager or head of a unit/department. Principal Compensation Analyst is a specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. Working as a Principal Compensation Analyst typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Compensation Analyst IV - Average Salary $129,240
Compensation Analyst IV analyzes, designs, and administers employer compensation programs, including base pay, long and short-term incentives, spot bonuses, commissions, and stock that align with company objectives for recruiting, retention, and employee engagement. Designs and communicates pay structures, grades, compensation budgets, and guidelines. Being a Compensation Analyst IV advises managers on making effective pay decisions that support employee engagement and comply with compensation policy and budgetary guidelines. Evaluates jobs and develops and maintains job descriptions and job architecture. Additionally, Compensation Analyst IV participates in compensation surveys, conducts research and analysis on market competitiveness, pay equity, and compensation trends. Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Compensation Analyst IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. To be a Compensation Analyst IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Compensation Team Leader - Average Salary $130,400
The Compensation Team Leader ensures that the plans/programs are consistent with employer's policies and all applicable federal and state laws. Administers corporate compensation plans/programs. Being a Compensation Team Leader maintains salary structures and company compensation policies. Conducts job evaluations to understand the content of a job. In addition, Compensation Team Leader is responsible for survey participation and compensation analysis. May lead and direct the work of others. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to manager or head of a unit/department. The Compensation Team Leader supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision. Working as a Compensation Team Leader typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor.