What Does a Compensation Analyst do?

Compensation analysts review and design salary structures to ensure they are competitive and fair. You analyze market data, evaluate job roles, and help develop compensation strategies that attract and retain top talent.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Compensation Analysts in the Human Resources field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

  • Analyze job positions to determine classification, salary, and overtime eligibility based on job responsibilities and industry standards.
  • Conduct market research and analyze salary data to benchmark company compensation packages against industry standards.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for management depicting compensation analysis findings and recommendations for changes or updates to salary structures.
  • Assist in the development and administration of compensation programs, such as base pay, incentive pay, and performance management programs.
  • Work with HR Information Systems (HRIS) to ensure that all employee compensation records are accurate and up-to-date.
  • Collaborate with HR and legal departments to ensure compliance with all applicable compensation laws and regulations.
  • Advise HR and recruitment teams on salary offers, promotions, and other compensation issues.

How to Become a Compensation Analyst

Launching a career as a Compensation Analyst requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
  • Experience in compensation analysis, HR, or a related financial analysis role.
  • Proficiency with HRIS and database management systems, and strong capabilities in Excel for complex data analysis.
  • Familiarity with job evaluation and salary scale development.
  • Certifications such as Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) are preferred.

Requirements & Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Effective communication skills, with the ability to present complex data in an understandable format.
  • Knowledge of current employment laws and regulations regarding compensation.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.

Compensation Analyst Salary Guide

Wondering what Compensation Analysts earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

Job Branch Avg. US Salary
Compensation Analyst Human Resources 72,400 USD

The average salary for a Compensation Analyst in the U.S. is approximately $72,400 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Compensation Analysts may receive a wide range of benefits.

Compensation Analyst Salary Career Steps


Level Experience Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran20+ years$90,500
Senior11+ years$79,640
Experienced6-10 years$72,400
Mid Level3-5 years$65,160
Entry Level0-2 years$54,300

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Compensation Analyst Salary Country Overview.

How to Advance Your Career

Compensation Analysts can advance to senior roles such as Senior Compensation Analyst, Compensation Manager, or Director of Compensation. With further experience and education, they might also transition into broader HR leadership roles or specialize in other areas of human resources management.

Typical Work Environment

Compensation Analysts typically work in office settings within the human resources departments of corporations, government agencies, or consulting firms. Their work is primarily desk-based, involving significant use of computers and data analysis tools. Standard work hours are common, but additional hours may be required during major HR projects or end-of-year salary reviews.

Cityjobs.info provides not only a detailed Compensation Analyst job description but also insights about salary data in different countries worldwide.


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