What is the median salary for Compensation and Benefits Managers in District of Columbia?

According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Compensation and Benefits Managers in District of Columbia is $160,800.

How does District of Columbia compare to the national median for Compensation and Benefits Managers?

The District of Columbia median is +11.5% versus the BLS national figure of $144,185.

What is the salary range for Compensation and Benefits Managers in District of Columbia?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $110,370 and the 90th-percentile at $217,230, which captures most full-time workers in the role.

Is Compensation and Benefits Managers a growing field?

BLS Employment Projections show employment flat by 0.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.

What education is required for Compensation and Benefits Managers?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Compensation and Benefits Managers Salary in District of Columbia

Median annual$160,800

Mean annual$167,300

Range (10th to 90th)$110,370 to $217,230

District of Columbia employment150

State vs national+11.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where District of Columbia compensation and benefits managers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $127,480 and $197,970, with a median of $160,800.

By seniority

Compensation and Benefits Managers pay by experience level in District of Columbia

Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.

Entry →Mid →Senior →Lead →

Wage trend

Median annual wage in District of Columbia over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.

Median annual wage, District of Columbia2023 to 2024

Typical entry

Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge
4.3 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
4.1 / 5
Writing
Basic skill
4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
4.0 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits, compensation, and personnel policies.
02
Design, evaluate, and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.
03
Fulfill all reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
04
Analyze compensation policies, government regulations, and prevailing wage rates to develop competitive compensation plan.
05
Identify and implement benefits to increase the quality of life for employees by working with brokers and researching benefits issues.
06
Manage the design and development of tools to assist employees in benefits selection, and to guide managers through compensation decisions.
07
Mediate between benefits providers and employees, such as by assisting in handling employees' benefits-related questions or taking suggestions.
08
Administer, direct, and review employee benefit programs, including the integration of benefit programs following mergers and acquisitions.

10-year outlook

Growth 2024 → 2034

0.0%

Projected annual openings

—

BLS outlook

Slower than average

Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.

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Top metros in District of Columbia

Metro-level salary data for compensation and benefits managers in major District of Columbia metropolitan areas.

Washington, D.C.$171,300

Compare Compensation and Benefits Managers pay across nearby states

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Compensation and Benefits Managers in District of Columbia?: According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Compensation and Benefits Managers in District of Columbia is $160,800.
How does District of Columbia compare to the national median for Compensation and Benefits Managers?: The District of Columbia median is +11.5% versus the BLS national figure of $144,185.
What is the salary range for Compensation and Benefits Managers in District of Columbia?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $110,370 and the 90th-percentile at $217,230, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
Is Compensation and Benefits Managers a growing field?: BLS Employment Projections show employment flat by 0.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
What education is required for Compensation and Benefits Managers?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.