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Compensation Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Compensation & HRIS Manager Chicago, Illinois Full-Time UTLX / Union Tank Car Company As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway-you'll be ...

Advise senior management on complex compensation issues including overall pay strategy (structure and competitiveness), job architecture design, and the digital activation of these designs * Manage ...

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Compensation Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.6K

$118.2K

$174.6K

How much do compensation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation manager in Chicago, IL is $118,189.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,900.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compensation manager?

A compensation manager is part of a corporate HR team which researches and develops the pay policies in a company. They use research to help determine fair pay scales for all the company employees. Duties include helping the business with recruiting and integrating new employees. At a small company, they might be responsible for all aspects of the pay system, while at a larger company they may have specific responsibilities, such as doing market research or surveying workers.

What is the difference between Compensation Manager vs Compensation Analyst?

AspectCompensation ManagerCompensation Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often HR or Business; certifications like CCP or CBPBachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related; certifications like CCP beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees compensation strategies, manages teams, collaborates with HR leadershipAnalyzes salary data, prepares reports, supports compensation programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations across various industriesCommon in HR departments, especially in finance, healthcare, and tech sectors

The Compensation Manager focuses on developing and managing overall compensation strategies, policies, and team leadership. In contrast, the Compensation Analyst primarily conducts data analysis, prepares reports, and supports compensation program implementation. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities within the compensation function.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a compensation manager?

To thrive as a Compensation Manager, you need expertise in compensation analysis, benefits administration, and compliance, often supported by a degree in human resources or business and relevant certifications such as CCP (Certified Compensation Professional). Familiarity with HRIS systems, data analytics tools, and compensation benchmarking software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you design competitive pay structures and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills ensure fair, data-driven compensation practices that support employee satisfaction and organizational goals.

What degree do you need to be a compensation manager?

A compensation manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or professional certifications such as the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP). Relevant skills include data analysis, knowledge of compensation laws, and experience with HR software.

What are some common challenges compensation managers face when designing competitive pay structures?

Compensation Managers often navigate the challenge of balancing internal equity, market competitiveness, and budget constraints when designing pay structures. They must ensure that compensation packages attract and retain top talent while staying compliant with regulations and maintaining fairness across the organization. Additionally, Compensation Managers regularly analyze market data, manage employee expectations, and collaborate with HR and leadership to support organizational goals. These complexities require strong analytical skills, communication, and the ability to adapt to changing market trends.
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 Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Compensation Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Compensation Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Compensation Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Compensation Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Compensation Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Compensation Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,189 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Workday HCM Compensation - Manager

Huron Consulting Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$164K - $204K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 14 days ago


Huron Consulting Group rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Huron is a global consultancy that collaborates with clients to drive strategic growth, ignite innovation and navigate constant change. Through a combination of strategy, expertise and creativity, we help clients accelerate operational, digital and cultural transformation, enabling the change they need to own their future.
Join our team as the expert you are now and create your future.

The multi-faceted role you've been looking for... Managers play a vibrant, integral role at Huron. Their invaluable knowledge reflects in the projects they manage and the teams they lead. Known for being politically savvy, they build long-standing relationships with clients, while collaborating with colleagues to solve their most important challenges. They plan, shape and deliver technology solutions that deliver results and seamlessly align with client goals, visions and missions. Remarkably versatile, our Managers also spend significant time mentoring junior staff on the engagement team-where they tirelessly share expertise as well as feedback and encouragement. This benefits Huron profoundly as it promotes a culture of respect, unity, collaboration and personal achievement.
Our environment inspires and rewards growth... As a Manager, you have the unique ability to specialize in certain areas of enterprise software products that showcase and employ your areas of expertise while pursuing your "career vision". Huron is big enough to offer the opportunity and exposure you need for your career growth-but small enough to give you individual attention for your professional development. Every Manager adds to who we are as an organization-and the more you evolve, the more we do. An exciting career experience awaits you where you'll be challenged to discover your true potential: It's analytically rigorous... it's practical... it's entrepreneurial... it's intellectually stimulating-and most definitely-it's career-defining. It's the Huron way.
We see what's possible in you and help you achieve it.
  • Huron requires a Bachelor's degree in a field related to this position or equivalent work experience

  • 4-6 years of related experience implementing Workday

  • Must have Core HCM and Compensation experience.

  • Advanced Compensation experience would be a plus.

  • 4+ years of related project leadership experience

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Should have Workday certification in the following: Core HCM, and Compensation

  • Prior experience as a Workday HCM functional lead

  • Prior management consulting experience in HR transformation

  • Institutional strategic planning; Project financial management, client executive relationship management and; multiple cradle to grave implementation experience

  • Excellent communication skills - oral and written - and the interpersonal skills needed to quickly to establish relationships of trust and collaboration

  • The ability to train and participate in the professional development of Huron staff in both project management and technical dimensions

  • The ability to contribute on multiple projects of differing scale and duration

  • Strong analytical skills used to translate information from meetings into documentation that can be shared with meeting participants and project teams

  • A desire and willingness to learn new tools, techniques, concepts, and methodologies

  • Willingness to travel

  • The estimated base salary range for this job is $145,000 - $170,000. The range represents a good faith estimate of the range that Huron reasonably expects to pay for this job at the time of the job posting. The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to specific skills or certifications, years of experience, market changes, and required travel. This job is also eligible to participate in Huron's annual incentive compensation program, which reflects Huron's pay for performance philosophy. Inclusive of annual incentive compensation opportunity, the total estimated compensation range for this job is $164,000 - $204,000. The job is also eligible to participate in Huron's benefit plans which include medical, dental and vision coverage and other wellness programs. The salary range information provided is in accordance with applicable state and local laws regarding salary transparency that are currently in effect and may be implemented in the future.

Position LevelManagerCountryUnited States of America

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About Huron Consulting Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Huron Consulting Group, based in Chicago, IL, US, is a leading global management consulting firm specialized in providing performance improvement and reformation skills to different types of organizations. The company operates in the management consulting industry, which includes strategy, operations, technology, and analytics. Founded in 2002, Huron Consulting Group aids entities to tackle complex business challenges, enhance their ability to drive change, encourage their efficiency, and stimulate innovation. The company's overriding mission is to assist clients in becoming more successful.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2002