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Compensation Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zoox

Staff Compensation Manager

Foster City, CA · On-site

$198K - $238K/yr

The Staff Compensation Manager plays a critical role in shaping and advancing the organization's compensation strategy to support business growth, scalability, and talent outcomes. This role is ...

Zoox

Staff Compensation Manager

Foster City, CA · On-site

$198K - $238K/yr

The Staff Compensation Manager plays a critical role in shaping and advancing the organization's compensation strategy to support business growth, scalability, and talent outcomes. This role is ...

Wsgr

Compensation Analyst

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

The Compensation Analyst will partner with the Compensation Manager and Director of HR Operations in administering the firm's compensation programs and processes. This position will be the primary ...

Zoox

Staff Compensation Manager

Foster City, CA · On-site

$198K - $238K/yr

The Staff Compensation Manager plays a critical role in shaping and advancing the organization's compensation strategy to support business growth, scalability, and talent outcomes. This role is ...

Teledyne

Sr. Compensation Analyst

Thousand Oaks, CA

$96K - $128K/yr

Participate in compensation surveys and manage relationships with survey providers * Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through workforce and pay analytics * Contribute to the development and ...

WelbeHealth

Manager, Compensation

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Minimum of two (2) years of leadership or people management experience preferred * Must have experience with Workday HRIS systems and compensation software platforms * Strong expertise in ...

Baseten

Manager, Compensation

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Baseten is seeking a Manager, Compensation to lead and evolve company-wide compensation programs. This role is responsible for shaping compensation philosophy, leveling frameworks, equity programs ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCompensation Management JobsCompensation Management Jobs in California

Compensation Management information

See California salary details

$35K

$113.2K

$167.3K

How much do compensation management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 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 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 does a compensation management do?

A compensation management professional develops and administers employee pay structures, including salaries, bonuses, and benefits, to ensure competitive and equitable compensation. They analyze market data, create compensation policies, and use tools like HRIS systems to align pay with organizational goals and compliance standards.
What cities in California are hiring for Compensation Management jobs? Cities in California with the most Compensation Management job openings:
Compensation Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compensation Management job openings in California as of August 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.

Manager, Total Rewards - Compensation, Variable & Equity

Qcells

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$139K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Qcells rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

Are you passionate about building competitive, data-driven total rewards programs that support a mission-driven organization shaping tomorrow’s future? We are seeking an experienced Manager, Total Rewards who is responsible for the design, administration, and governance of the company’s compensation programs. While this role has primary accountability for incentive compensation programs, it also plays a broad role in managing base pay structures, job architecture, market pricing, and annual compensation processes. The position ensures compensation programs are competitive, equitable, compliant, and aligned with the organization’s talent and business strategies. This position reports directly to the Head of HR for G&ES Business Division. 

RESPONSIBILITIES
Compensation Strategy & Program Management
  • Support the development and ongoing management of the company’s overall compensation philosophy and strategy
  • Design, implement, and administer incentive compensation programs that drive performance and align with business objectives
  • Support the administration of base salary structures, pay ranges, job leveling, and job architecture frameworks
  • Conduct market pricing and benchmarking to ensure external competitiveness and internal equity
  • Partner with HR leaders on compensation decisions related to hiring, promotions, transfers, and retention
Incentive Compensation Administration
  • Lead the design, documentation, and governance of incentive and variable pay plans
  • Manage incentive plan modeling, calculations, validation, and payout processes
  • Maintain incentive compensation systems and tools; ensure data accuracy and system integrity
  • Prepare incentive plan communications, training materials, and participant support resources
  • Analyze incentive program effectiveness, cost, and performance outcomes; provide recommendations for improvement
Annual Compensation Processes
  • Support annual merit, bonus, and incentive planning cycles, including budgeting, modeling, and execution
  • Partner with Finance to ensure accurate compensation forecasting, accruals, and spend management
  • Provide guidance and analysis to leaders during compensation review and planning cycles
Governance, Compliance & Analytics
  • Develop and maintain compensation policies, guidelines, and governance documentation
  • Ensure compensation programs comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal controls
  • Conduct audits, reconciliations, and reviews to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance
  • Prepare compensation analytics, dashboards, and reports for leadership and HR stakeholders
  • Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve tools, and enhance compensation program scalability
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field
  • 6+ years of progressive experience in compensation, total rewards, or incentive compensation
  • Experience supporting SaaScompany using subscription-based variable compensation or other high-growth industries.
  • Strong working knowledge of compensation principles, market pricing, and incentive plan design
  • Experience with compensation and HR systems; advanced Excel and analytical skills
  • Ability to manage complex data and provide clear, actionable recommendations
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and influencing skills
  • High level of discretion, attention to detail, and sound judgment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience supporting SaaScompany using subscription-based variable compensation or other high-growth industries.
  • CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) certification or progress toward certification
  • Experience supporting performance-driven or sales organizations
  • Familiarity with incentive compensation management platforms
  • Experience in a multi-location or global environment
 
Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions.  Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services.  We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.
 
PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: 
To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.  
Mobility 
Standing 
20% of time  
Sitting 
70% of time  
Walking 
10% of time  
Strength 
Pulling 
up to 10 Pounds  
Pushing 
up to 10 Pounds  
Carrying 
up to 10 Pounds  
Lifting 
up to 10 Pounds  
Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) 
Typing 
F 
Handling 
F 
Reaching 
F 
Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) 
Turning 
F 
Twisting 
F 
Bending 
O 
Crouching 
O 
Balancing 
N 
Climbing 
N 
Crawling 
N 
Kneeling 
N 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

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