ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Compensation Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsCompensation Associate JobsCompensation Associate Jobs in Illinois

Compensation Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$45.1K

$57.7K

$68.3K

How much do compensation associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation associate in Illinois is $57,726.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,800.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Compensation jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Compensation jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Compensation Associate jobs in Illinois?

For Compensation Associate jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Compensation Associate jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Compensation Associate jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Compensation Associate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Compensation Associate job openings:

Compensation Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compensation Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,726 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Partner Compensation & Evaluation Associate Director

Esquire Recruiting, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Partner Compensation & Evaluation Associate Director | Global Law Firm | Chicago, IL Our prestigious and globally recognized AM LAW 50 law firm client is hiring an experienced Partner Compensation and Evaluation Associate Director in their Chicago HQ office. The Partner Compensation & Evaluation Associate Director is responsible for leading the Firm’s Partner Compensation & Evaluation function, including support for the Partner evaluation process, compensation review cycles, compensation analytics, documentation, reporting, and coordination with adjacent Partner Matters functions. This role will provide leadership and operational discipline for an increasingly complex function, ensuring compensation and evaluation activity is accurate, timely, confidential, well-controlled, and aligned with Firm leadership expectations as the Firm’s Partner population and compensation structures continue to evolve, including income partner-related processes. Working closely with the Partner Services Director, Partner Relations, Partner Operations, Partner Accounting, Tax, Finance, Strategic Planning, Firm leadership, and other stakeholders, this individual will serve as a key compensation and evaluation process leader, analytical partner, and coordination point for sensitive Partner compensation matters.

Our client firm is offering a highly competitive salary, bonus and benefit package.

Send resume to Amy Altman, CEO: amy@esquire-recruiting.com


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead the Partner Compensation & Evaluation function and manage the team responsible for compensation process support, evaluation coordination, analytics, reporting, documentation, and stakeholder coordination.
  • Establish clear priorities, timelines, accountabilities, handoffs, controls, and service expectations for compensation and evaluation activity.
  • Manage support for the Partner evaluation and compensation review process, including preparation for Management Committee compensation review meetings.
  • Coordinate evaluation-related timelines, materials, data inputs, stakeholder follow-up, process documentation, and leadership reporting.
  • Analyze quantitative and qualitative factors to support compensation discussions, leadership decision-making, Partner promotions, and other Partner population changes.
  • Oversee the development of compensation analytics, reporting, models, and decision-support materials for Firm leadership.
  • Track compensation-related decisions, individual agreements, committee determinations, special arrangements, and separation-related compensation implications.
  • Coordinate closely with Partner Accounting, Partner Relations, Partner Operations, Tax, Finance, Strategic Planning, and Firm leadership to ensure compensation decisions, changes, payments, and reporting are accurately reflected.
  • Maintain strong controls, documentation standards, confidentiality protocols, data quality, and process discipline for compensation and evaluation-related work.
  • Lead, coach, and develop Compensation & Evaluation team members, including clarifying roles, managing workload allocation, supporting training, providing feedback, and identifying staffing, process, system, or governance improvements.


REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, Human Resources, Data Analytics, or related field.
  • Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in compensation, finance, accounting, analytics, human resources, professional services administration, or a related function.
  • Experience managing confidential compensation, performance evaluation, financial, or senior stakeholder-related processes.
  • Demonstrated analytical capability, including experience developing reports, models, dashboards, decision-support materials, or executive-facing analysis.
  • Experience leading teams, managing projects or processes, and coordinating work across functions.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate in a complex, matrixed, service-oriented environment.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a large law firm or sophisticated professional services organization.
  • Experience with Partner compensation, professional services compensation, performance evaluation, executive compensation, or equity / income partner structures.
  • Advanced degree, MBA, CPA, SHRM certification, compensation certification, or related credential.
  • Experience with financial systems, compensation systems, data management tools, or advanced Excel / reporting platforms.


OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Good judgment
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
  • Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
  • Able to work under pressure
  • Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.

Apply