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Compensation Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Proactively partner with client-facing People Business Partners and People Team Management along with Business leadership to identify and address compensation issues, and evangelize Visa's Total ...

Proactively partner with client-facing People Business Partners and People Team Management along with Business leadership to identify and address compensation issues, and evangelize Visa's Total ...

Job Evaluation & Structure Management * Evaluate new and existing roles, ensuring proper job ... Compensation Programs Administration * Assist in the annual compensation cycle (merit, bonus ...

Compensation Manager Kikoff is looking for a Compensation Manager to own our cash and equity programs end-to-end as we scale toward IPO. You'll be the in-house comp expert who turns our compensation ...

Compensation Manager Kikoff is looking for a Compensation Manager to own our cash and equity programs end-to-end as we scale toward IPO. You'll be the in-house comp expert who turns our compensation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Compensation Management information

See California salary details

$35K

$113.2K

$167.3K

How much do compensation management jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation management in California is $113,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What professions make $500,000 a year?

In compensation management, high earners often include executive-level professionals such as Chief Compensation Officers, HR Directors, and Compensation Consultants, especially those working in large corporations or specialized consulting firms. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications like CCP or SPHR, and strong negotiation and analytical skills. Salaries at this level are usually supplemented with bonuses, stock options, or profit-sharing arrangements.

What is the difference between Compensation Management vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectCompensation ManagementPayroll Specialist
Primary FocusDesigning and managing employee compensation strategies, including salary structures, bonuses, and benefitsProcessing employee wages, ensuring accurate payroll calculations, and compliance with tax laws
Required SkillsCompensation analysis, benefits administration, HR policiesPayroll processing, tax regulations, data entry
Work EnvironmentHR departments, compensation teams, strategic planningPayroll departments, accounting, HR support
CertificationsSPHR, CCP, PHRNone specific, often familiarity with payroll software and tax laws

While Compensation Management focuses on developing and overseeing employee pay structures and benefits, Payroll Specialists handle the day-to-day processing of employee wages and compliance. Both roles are essential in HR and finance departments but serve different functions within employee compensation and payroll operations.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In compensation management, high-earning roles such as Chief Compensation Officer or executive-level HR leaders can reach or exceed $1 million annually, especially in large corporations. These positions often require extensive experience, strategic skills, and sometimes performance-based bonuses or stock options. Most roles in this field do not typically reach this level, but top executives in compensation and benefits can earn such compensation packages.

What is the role of compensation management?

Compensation management involves designing and administering employee pay structures, including salaries, bonuses, and benefits, to attract, motivate, and retain talent. It requires understanding market trends, legal compliance, and organizational goals, often utilizing tools like compensation software and data analysis. Effective management ensures fair pay practices and supports overall business strategy.

What do compensation managers do?

Compensation managers develop and oversee salary structures, benefits, and incentive programs to ensure competitive and equitable pay practices. They analyze market data, ensure compliance with regulations, and collaborate with HR and finance teams to align compensation strategies with organizational goals.
What cities in California are hiring for Compensation Management jobs? Cities in California with the most Compensation Management job openings:
Infographic showing various Compensation Management job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $113,228 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Senior Compensation Manager

Senior Compensation Manager

Visa

Foster City, CA • On-site

$153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Visa rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 20 rated payment service providers


Job description

About Us
Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale - tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world.

Join Visa and do work that matters - to you, to your community, and to the world. Progress starts with you.

Job Description

  • Proactively partner with client-facing People Business Partners and People Team Management along with Business leadership to identify and address compensation issues, and evangelize Visa's Total Compensation Philosophy and Strategy to the clients supported.
  • Act as a consultant with client groups on compensation issues such as job evaluation, FLSA exemption reviews, compensation analyses, total compensation review and related issues.
  • Execute annual review cycle for client group through consultation and collaboration with senior leaders to ensure a well-defined and efficient process.
  • Participate in the development and drive the execution of compensation processes and initiatives such as annual review, incentive and equity plans, competitive and ad hoc analyses, projects and reporting for assigned client groups.
  • Analyze competitive salary information to determine company's competitive position. Formulate recommendations regarding annual updates to the company salary structure.
  • Provide and deliver compensation training and education materials to People Business Partners and people managers.
  • Support global program management for the annual compensation review process, coordinating planning and execution across multiple regions and functions. Oversee the coordination of compensation strategies, timelines, and communication to ensure consistency and compliance with local regulations. Collaborate with regional stakeholders and partners to manage project milestones, address challenges, and ensure successful delivery of compensation planning initiatives globally.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • 8 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor Degree or at least 5 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 2 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 9 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor Degree or 7 or more relevant years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 3 or more years of experience with a PhD
  • Strong teamwork skills required to work in a fast moving matrix environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including interpersonal and presentation skills.
  • Ability to present information in a concise and meaningful manner to managers and senior leaders.
  • Demonstrated teamwork and relationship-building skills, and ability to lead by influence and example.
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop quantitative models (e.g. business case and complex forecasting). Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Strong program management skills
  • Demonstrated program management skills, including the ability to coordinate complex initiatives across multiple regions or functions, manage timelines, oversee communications, and deliver successful outcomes on global projects
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and handle confidential information.
  • Strong knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), knowledge of Workday and compensation management tools (i.e. CompAnalyst) desirable.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced and changing environment.
  • Experience working in a global environment on compensation and related issues strongly preferred.

U.S. Applicants Only

The estimated salary range for this positionis $153,700.00 to $ 246,200.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity.Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.

Work Hours

Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements

This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protect veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

What Visa employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Visa logo

About Visa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Visa is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating over 215 billion transactions annually across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through an innovative, reliable, and secure payments network, empowering individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. When you become a part of Visa, you join a purpose-driven culture that values growth, embraces diversity, and recognizes the significance of your contributions. We believe in creating inclusive economies that uplift everyone, everywhere. Your work at Visa will directly impact billions of people worldwide, enabling access to financial services and shaping the future of money movement.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1958