Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
O*NET 13-1141.00 · SOC 13-1141
Compensation is a solid career choice. Median pay is $78k a year with +6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 9,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Survey market pay rates to keep compensation packages competitive
- →Evaluate job descriptions to assign appropriate pay grades
- →Analyze employee benefits plans and compare costs across providers
- →Write and update job descriptions based on manager input
- →Ensure compensation practices comply with federal and state wage laws
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Compensation roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Compensation involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Compensation?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Compensation Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·39% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Compensation make?
The median Compensation earns $78k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Compensation jobs?
Our model puts Compensation at 40 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 39% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Compensation a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 9,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Compensation?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Compensation roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Compensation?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Compensation career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes