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Compensation Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Attorney

Calabasas, CA ยท On-site +1

$100K - $150K/yr

An established California Workers' Compensation Defense firm is seeking an Workers Compensation Associate Attorney Responsibilities * Handle workers' compensation defense matters from inception ...

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Public Finance Associate

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $130K/yr

The anticipated base salary for the Associate position is $75,000 per year; this position is eligible for substantial annual incentive compensation (Associate total annual compensation typically ...

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Public Finance Associate

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $130K/yr

The anticipated base salary for the Associate position is $75,000 per year; this position is eligible for substantial annual incentive compensation (Associate total annual compensation typically ...

Associate's/Technical Degree or equivalent combination of education/related experience: Required ... Audits compensation data to ensure accuracy of input according to compensation changes. * Makes ...

Compensation Analyst

Roseville, CA ยท On-site

$77K - $116K/yr

Associate's/Technical Degree or equivalent combination of education/related experience: Required ... Audits compensation data to ensure accuracy of input according to compensation changes. * Makes ...

The Associate Compensation Analyst is responsible for field (restaurant) compensation delivery for approximately 900 equity restaurants, which includes timely bonus plan administration, minimum wage ...

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Showing results 1-20

Compensation Associate information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$58.8K

$69.6K

How much do compensation associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation associate in California is $58,791.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $63,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Compensation Associate vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectCompensation AssociatePayroll Specialist
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field; certifications like CCP are a plusOften a degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business; certifications like CPP or payroll-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentHR or Compensation departments within organizations, focusing on pay structures and benefitsFinance or HR departments, handling payroll processing and compliance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries in HR teams to manage compensation dataCommon in organizations with in-house payroll processing or payroll service providers

The Compensation Associate primarily focuses on designing and managing employee pay structures, benefits, and compensation data. In contrast, the Payroll Specialist handles the processing of employee wages, tax deductions, and compliance with payroll regulations. While both roles require knowledge of compensation and HR policies, the Compensation Associate emphasizes strategy and data management, whereas the Payroll Specialist concentrates on accurate payroll execution and reporting.

What are some common challenges Compensation Associates face when analyzing salary data across different departments?

Compensation Associates often encounter challenges such as inconsistent job titles, varying responsibilities across departments, and discrepancies in market data when analyzing salary information. Navigating these differences requires strong analytical skills and close collaboration with HR partners and department managers to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness. Staying updated with industry benchmarks and using standardized job evaluation methods can help address these issues and support fair compensation decisions.

What does a Compensation Associate do?

A Compensation Associate is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and administration of an organization's compensation programs. They analyze salary data, benchmark roles against industry standards, assist with salary reviews, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Their work helps ensure that employees are paid fairly and competitively, which can improve employee satisfaction and retention. Compensation Associates often collaborate with HR, finance, and management teams to align pay structures with company goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Compensation Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Compensation Associate, you need a solid understanding of compensation principles, data analysis, and human resources practices, usually backed by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), advanced Excel skills, and compensation management tools like PayScale or Workday is often required. Strong attention to detail, discretion, and effective communication help you excel in handling sensitive data and collaborating across teams. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate compensation analysis, compliance, and fair pay practices within an organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Compensation jobs in California? The most popular types of Compensation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Compensation Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Compensation Associate job openings:

Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Associate

Dlapiper

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let's see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking an associate to join its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group. The group prides itself on being collaborative and supportive, offering an environment in which you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. We are looking for candidates who are intellectually curious and have a solid interest in executive compensation and employee benefits law, including with respect to equity plans and agreements, executive retention packages, retirement and welfare plans, and employee benefit plans and compensation arrangements in mergers and acquisitions. This position is open to our Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington D.C offices. Interested candidates should have strong analytical and writing skills, attention to detail, good business judgment, excellent organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Responsibilities

  • Responsibilities as an Associate will vary based on level of experience and specific practice group.
  • Legal Research: Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.
  • Legal Writing: Draft well-written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
  • Case/Transaction Assistance and Management: Assist/Manage a variety of complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities while continuously demonstrating strong judgement.
  • Internal/External Client Interaction: Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships by providing support, regular updates, advice, and addressing concerns promptly and with the utmost professionalism.
  • Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to support and develop innovative case/transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients.
  • Attend, support, and participate in high-level legal activities including court hearings, depositions, negotiations, trials, etc.
  • Compliance: Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.
  • Professional Development: Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
  • Firm Citizenship and Community Involvement: Engage in and contribute to; firm programs and initiatives; civic and professional organizations; pro bono work by providing legal assistance to underserved and underrepresented communities.

Desired Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail. Good business and professional judgment. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to work collaboratively and independently. Conceptual thinking. Persuasive communication. Management skills.


Minimum Education

  • JD
  • Degree from an accredited law school.


Certifications

Admitted to practice in the state in which they are officing.


Minimum Years of Experience

  • 1 year of direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm and experience preferred.


Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

  • Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties;
  • Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner;
  • Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product;
  • Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required;
  • Foster positive work relationships;
  • Comply with all firm policies and practices;
  • Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed;
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment;
  • Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.


Physical Demands
Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Work Environment-The firm's work location requirements may be modified at the firm's discretion

  • Hybrid - Regular in-office presence with some flexibility for work-from-home


Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Application Process

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact CorporateTalent@us.dlapiper.com.

Direct applicants only. No third-party submissions will be accepted.

Pay Transparency

The firm's expected hiring range for this position is $225,000- $260,000per year depending on the candidate's geographic market location. The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate's experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.Job applicant poster viewing center.