What Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists this way: "Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Ensure company compliance with federal and state laws, including reporting requirements"; "Advise managers and employees on state and federal employment regulations, collective agreements, benefit and compensation policies, personnel procedures, and classification programs"; "Assist in preparing and maintaining personnel records and handbooks"; "Administer employee insurance, pension, and savings plans, working with insurance brokers and plan carriers"; "Research employee benefit and health and safety practices, and recommend changes or modifications to existing policies".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 118,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 125,200 in 2035, an increase of 7,100 jobs (+6%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 9,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $78,210, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $85,404 in New York to $85,758 in New Jersey, a gap of $354 (1.00 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $78,210 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 13,120, which is 50.6% of the 25,940 counted across them. New York follows with 12,820.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($85,758) and New York ($85,404) lead the ranking, while New York ($85,404) and New Jersey ($85,758) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (13-1000) include Management Analysts, Project Management Specialists, Logisticians and Compliance Officers.
Frequently asked questions about Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
How much do Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $78,210. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $85,404 to $85,758.
Which state pays Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $85,758. New York is next at $85,404.
Is Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 9,000 openings a year.
What education do Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.