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Compensation Associate Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Trueseek

Workers' Compensation Attorney

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$120K - $170K/yr

The Virginia workers' compensation practice is expanding and seeking an experienced Workers' Compensation Associate Attorney to join a growing team handling sophisticated defense litigation matters.

Trueseek

Workers' Compensation Attorney

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$120K - $170K/yr

The Virginia workers' compensation practice is expanding and seeking an experienced Workers' Compensation Associate Attorney to join a growing team handling sophisticated defense litigation matters.

Capital One

Manager, Compensation

Mclean, VA · On-site

$164.80K - $188.10K/yr

Develop plans, educational materials, and communications designed to provide associates, managers, and HR partners with timely and accurate information regarding compensation initiatives * Consult ...

Capital One

Manager, Compensation

Mclean, VA · On-site

$164.80K - $188.10K/yr

Develop plans, educational materials, and communications designed to provide associates, managers, and HR partners with timely and accurate information regarding compensation initiatives * Consult ...

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Compensation Associate information

See Washington salary details

$52.7K

$67.5K

$79.8K

How much do compensation associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation associate in Washington is $67,470.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,700.00 and $73,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Washington? The most popular types of Compensation jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Compensation Associate jobs in Washington? For Compensation Associate jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Compensation Associate jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Compensation Associate jobs in Washington are:
Compensation Associate jobs near you

Executive Compensation Associate

Direct Counsel

Washington, DC • On-site

$235K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Direct Counsel is representing a prestigious AmLaw firm seeking an Executive Compensation Associate (2–6 years) to join its highly regarded Executive Compensation practice.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with executive compensation and employee benefits experience to work on sophisticated mergers and acquisitions and complex business transactions within a nationally recognized transactional platform.

Responsibilities
  • Advise clients on executive compensation and employee benefits matters arising in:
    • Mergers & Acquisitions
    • Private Equity transactions
    • Corporate transactions
    • Strategic business deals
  • Draft, review, and negotiate:
    • Equity compensation arrangements
    • Employment agreements
    • Incentive compensation plans
    • Transaction-related compensation and benefits documentation
  • Collaborate closely with corporate, tax, and private equity deal teams on sophisticated transactions
  • Counsel clients on compensation structuring and employee benefits considerations in transactional matters
Qualifications
  • 2–6 years of law firm experience in:
    • Executive compensation
    • Employee benefits
    • Transactional compensation matters
  • Experience advising on compensation and benefits issues in M&A and business transactions
  • Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills
  • Excellent academic credentials required
Compensation

Expected compensation range: $235,000 – $390,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and market factors.

Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, financial, retirement, and paid leave benefits.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply through directcounsel.net with your resume, law school transcripts, and cover letter.