How long does the training take?

Typically about four years for the degree, then 5 years or more of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do compensation and benefits managers make?

The US median is $149,230 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree for this work?

Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.

Where can you train for this work?

2,359 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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Compensation and benefits managers: pay, training and the programs that lead there

Management · SOC 11-3111

$149,230US median pay, 2025

+1.1%Projected growth, 2025–35

1,600Openings per year

Degree + experienceUsual way in

How you get in

Not an entry-level job: it usually takes a degree plus years of related work.

Bachelor's degree
5 years or more of experience in a related job
Work in: compensation and benefits managers

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Business Administration and Management, General	CIP 52.0201	2,320
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General	CIP 52.1001	505
Organizational Behavior Studies	CIP 52.1003	119
Insurance	CIP 52.1701	70
Labor and Industrial Relations	CIP 52.1002	27

See the 2,359 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does the training take?: Typically about four years for the degree, then 5 years or more of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do compensation and benefits managers make?: The US median is $149,230 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree for this work?: Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.
Where can you train for this work?: 2,359 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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