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Compensation Associate Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Financial Planner

Mclean, VA · On-site

$76.80K - $103.10K/yr

Active designation(s) as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Enrolled Agent (EA), Equity Compensation Associate (ECA) or similar ...

Senior Financial Planner

Mclean, VA · On-site

$76.80K - $103.10K/yr

Active designation(s) as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Enrolled Agent (EA), Equity Compensation Associate (ECA) or similar ...

Sales Associate

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team Benefits and Compensation: PHOENIX offers a range of benefits to help protect full-time associate's health and long-term ...

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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:

Associate Attorney - Workers' Compensation, MD (Remote Work Available)

Tarpine Heller & Pendergrass Llc

Columbia, MD • Remote

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Seeking an associate attorney for insurance defense litigation practice for workers' compensation. Work can be performed REMOTELY except for court appearances in Maryland. .

License: Maryland Bar is required for this position.

Bar admission in DC or VA is a plus.


Salary commensurate with experience. Bonus available for motivated employees.