How Much Does a Compensation Program Manager make?

Compensation Program Manager made a median salary around $140,316 in February, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $158,068 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $125,687. 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% $125,687 10% $112,367 90% $174,230 75% $158,068 $140,316 50%(Median)
Check out Compensation Program Manager jobs in Duluth, Minnesota

Program Manager with Security Clearance

General Dynamics Mission Systems - Bloomington, MN

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Best-Paying Cities for Compensation Program Manager

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Compensation Program Manager profession are Hopkins , Mendota , Minneapolis , Minnetonka , Saint Paul .
Hopkins, MN $154,115
Mendota, MN $154,115
Minneapolis, MN $154,115
Minnetonka, MN $154,115
Saint Paul, MN $154,115

Best-Paying States for Compensation Program Manager

The states and districts that pay Compensation Program Manager the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $161,668) , California (around $160,216) , New Jersey (around $159,199) , Alaska (around $158,182) , and Massachusetts (around $158,037) .
District of Columbia $161,668
California $160,216
New Jersey $159,199
Alaska $158,182
Massachusetts $158,037

What is the Career Path of Compensation Program Manager?

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 Program Manager, the first career path typically starts with a Compensation Senior Manager position , and then progresses to VP of Compensation.

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

Besides, Compensation Program Manager can also turn to other related jobs, including Compensation Manager , Workers' Compensation Program Manager , Compensation Supervisor and Workers' Compensation Manager .

Frequently Asked Questions for Compensation Program Manager

Q: What is the salary range of Compensation Program Manager in Duluth, MN?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Compensation Program Manager in Duluth, MN earned an average annual salary of $125,687 , while the highest-paid made $158,068.
Q: What is the salary for a Compensation Program Manager in California?
A: Compensation Program Manager employed in California earned an average salary of $160,216 in 2025.

Average Compensation Program Manager Pay vs. Other Jobs

Compensation Program Manager earned an average salary of $140,316 in 2025. Other jobs related to Compensation Program Manager earned the following average salary in February, 2025. Compensation Manager made $139,011 , Workers' Compensation Program Manager made $116,000 , Compensation Supervisor and Workers' Compensation Manager made $126,216 and $115,924 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Compensation Program Manager

Compensation Manager - Average Salary $139,011
Compensation Manager leads the development, implementation, and administration of compensation programs, policies, and procedures. Manages common compensation functions, including survey participation, job evaluation, salary structure development, incentive plan design, pay program administration and other associated initiatives. Being a Compensation Manager ensures that base pay, incentive pay and performance management programs remain competitive and conform to current compensation strategy. Directs data collection and analysis processes for market, pay equity, and other compensation studies. Additionally, Compensation Manager requires a bachelor's degree. May require a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Compensation Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Compensation Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Workers' Compensation Program Manager - Average Salary $116,000
The Workers' Compensation Program Manager implements all matters of the program, including claim investigations, settlements, and litigation. Responsible for developing, maintaining, and managing a company's workers' compensation program. Being a Workers' Compensation Program Manager is responsible for finding an insurance provider that meets organizational goals of employee coverage and cost effectiveness. Establishes standards and procedures for all matters relating to workers' compensation. In addition, Workers' Compensation Program Manager requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a head of unit/department. The Workers' Compensation Program Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Extensive knowledge of department processes. Working as a Workers' Compensation Program Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required.
Compensation Supervisor - Average Salary $126,216
Compensation Supervisor supervises a team working on compensation plans and programs and related analysis. Oversees common compensation projects, including survey participation, job evaluation, salary structure development, incentive plan design, pay program administration and other associated initiatives. Being a Compensation Supervisor ensures that compensation plans and programs are consistent with organizational policies and all applicable federal and state laws. Maintains salary structures and company compensation policies. Additionally, Compensation Supervisor is responsible for survey participation and compensation analysis. Requires a bachelor's degree. May require a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification. Typically reports to a manager. The Compensation Supervisor supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/ production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. To be a Compensation Supervisor typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.
Workers' Compensation Manager - Average Salary $115,924
Workers' Compensation Manager is responsible for developing, maintaining, and managing a company's workers' compensation program. Implements all matters of the program, including claim investigations, settlements, and litigation. Being a Workers' Compensation Manager establishes standards and procedures for all matters relating to workers' compensation. Responsible for finding an insurance provider that meets organizational goals of employee coverage and cost effectiveness. Additionally, Workers' Compensation Manager requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a head of unit/department. The Workers' Compensation Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Extensive knowledge of department processes. To be a Workers' Compensation Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required.
The Workers' Compensation Program Coordinator II implements a consistent process for recording, investigating, and reporting workers' compensation claims complying with laws and regulations. Administers the workers' compensation program for an organization. Being a Workers' Compensation Program Coordinator II monitors all claims and liaises with the employees, managers, insurance representatives, union representatives, medical staff, and attorneys involved with a case. Prepares and submits required reporting and documentation to OSHA, state and local agencies, and other entities. In addition, Workers' Compensation Program Coordinator II communicates case status details and necessary information to involved parties, including notifications of hearings, outcomes, return to work, or restrictions. Performs periodic reviews of overall cases to identify trends. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of all regulations and laws for reporting workers' compensation. May coordinate or assist with safety programs focused on injury prevention or facilitate accommodations for workers. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Being a Workers' Compensation Program Coordinator II occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Working as a Workers' Compensation Program Coordinator II typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.