Salary distribution
Where Washington compensation and benefits managers fall on the wage curve.
Distribution not available
The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.
Compensation and Benefits Managers pay by experience level in Washington
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.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Washington over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.3 / 5
Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 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
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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Metro-level salary data for compensation and benefits managers in major Washington metropolitan areas.
- Seattle$214,220
Compare Compensation and Benefits Managers pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Compensation and Benefits Managers in Washington?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Compensation and Benefits Managers in Washington is $206,320.
- How does Washington compare to the national median for Compensation and Benefits Managers?
- The Washington median is +43.1% versus the BLS national figure of $144,185.
- 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.
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.