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Compensation Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Compensation Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.9K

$61.4K

$72.6K

How much do compensation associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation associate in Chicago, IL is $61,367.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,100.00 and $66,400.00 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?

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Compensation jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Compensation Associate jobs in Chicago, IL? For Compensation Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Compensation Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Compensation Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Compensation Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Compensation Associate job openings:
Compensation Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compensation Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,367 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Compensation Associate

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department
OPS HR - University Compensation and Performance
About the Department
UChicago Human Resources is dedicated to building institutional capacity to advance the University's mission in providing excellence in education, research and innovation. UChicago Compensation leads the design and implementation of broad-based compensation activities for University staff. We partner together with HR Community members to ensure pay decisions are externally competitive and internally equitable, promote pay for performance, and encourage fiscal responsibility.UChicago Compensation leads the design and implementation of broad-based compensation activities for University staff. We partner together with HR Community members to ensure pay decisions are externally competitive and internally equitable, promote pay for performance, and encourage fiscal responsibility.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Compensation and Performance Management Manager, the Compensation Associate serves as a consultant to the broader HR Community throughout campus. Administers compensation policies, processes, and governance. Proven analytical and communication capabilities to enable the delivery of impactful and effective compensation programs.
Responsibilities
  • Administers compensation policies, processes, and governance. Performs various compensation audits.
  • Participates in market data surveys. Expands and maintains market data portfolio and library.
  • Contributes to the job evaluation process, including facilitating internal peer reviews and external competitive assessments.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as human resources, finance, or business administration.

Experience:
  • Previous experience in a decentralized environment.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:
  • Demonstrated technology experience in Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel, such as vlookups, pivot tables, data visualization, etc.
  • Workday experience.

Preferred Competencies
  • Customer service orientation and communication skills.
  • Utilize critical thinking skills to draw conclusions / solve problems.
  • Project management skills and work and learn independently.
  • Demonstrates high level of professionalism and personal integrity.
  • Presentation, consultation, and group facilitation skills.

Working Conditions
  • Remote work schedule.

Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (preferred)
  • References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
University Human Resources
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$65,000.00 - $70,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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