1

Compensation Manager Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Manage position control, headcount tracking, and alignment with budgets and forecasts. * Monitor budget compliance and deliver reporting/analytics on compensation and position management. What You'll ...

New

Sr. Compensation Analyst

Columbia, SC · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

Manage position control, headcount tracking, and alignment with budgets and forecasts. * Monitor budget compliance and deliver reporting/analytics on compensation and position management. What You'll ...

Sr Compensation Analyst

Gaston, SC · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Strong project management skills, ability to meet strict guidelines, and navigate a fast-paced ... Proficiency in compensation analysis tools and techniques, including market pricing and ...

Sr Compensation Analyst

Columbia, SC · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

Strong project management skills, ability to meet strict guidelines, and navigate a fast-paced ... Proficiency in compensation analysis tools and techniques, including market pricing and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Compensation Manager information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$32.8K

$106.1K

$156.8K

How much do compensation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation manager in Columbia, SC is $106,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $122,600.00 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 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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Compensation jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Compensation jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Compensation Manager jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Compensation Manager jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Compensation Manager jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Compensation Manager jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Compensation Manager jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Compensation Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Compensation Manager job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,141 per year, or $51 per hour.

Classification and Compensation Manager - 61110269

State of South Carolina

Columbia, SC • On-site

$66K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Responsibilities Classification and Compensation Manager The Department of Administration's (Admin) Division of State Human Resources (DSHR) works with agency customers to provide guidance on HR-related matters, delivering resources that encourage effective workforce planning and organizational development and overseeing the state's Alternative Dispute Resolution process. DSHR is seeking a Classification and Compensation Manager to provide program leadership and functional expertise in the administration of the statewide classification and compensation program to ensure responsiveness to the State's goals and practices. You will develop, recommend, implement and oversee the statewide classification and compensation programs.

You will plan, design and implement programs, activities, policies and procedures necessary to meet objectives of the classification and compensation section. You will develop and propose human resources policies, procedures and personnel ordinance changes related to classification and compensation. You will perform position and salary reviews, compensation survey and trend analysis.

This position is onsite in Columbia, SC. Responsibilities of the Classification and Compensation Manager: Provide consulting services, tools and information to state agencies on compensation concerns; monitor classification and compensation practices to ensure internal equity and to promote the state's broader equity initiatives. Plan, develop, conduct and implement statewide classification studies for all major employee groups as needed; determine appropriate job evaluation methods; resolve classification Issues with state agencies; review and finalize proposed job descriptions and/or develop and write job descriptions.

Conduct salary studies utilizing appropriate market, system wide, and campus data to determine the target market salary for various positions and competitiveness of the statewide pay practices; recommend and implement adjustments to statewide salary plans to maintain appropriate internal and external pay relationships; recommend and secure external survey reports to be used as benchmarks for salary studies. Administer the statewide compensation plan; design and maintain pay structures; develop, recommend and communicate compensation policies; review and resolve compensation issues with state agencies. Research issues, formulate policy alternatives and propose strategies to improve the effectiveness of the compensation plan within state government.

Minimum and Additional Requirements A master's degree in human resources or public administration and at least two (2) years of experience in human resources or a bachelor's degree and at least four (4) years of experience in human resources. Additional Requirements: Exceptional oral and written communication skills are needed, along with the ability to analyze a customer's needs and provide strategic advice to human resource managers, employees, and other executives in state agencies. Expert classification and compensation knowledge and experience.

Ability to make presentations and prepare reports. Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software is necessary. Position may require reporting to work during emergency situations and hazardous weather events.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may bring a copy of college transcript to the interview. A copy of the transcript may also be uploaded as an attachment to the application, if required by the hiring department or if desired by the applicant. Please note that some areas of the Department may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring.

Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination. Preferred Qualifications SPHR or PHR certification through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) or a SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP Certification through the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and/ or Certified Professional through International Public Management Association (IPMA). Knowledge of SAP.

Additional Comments The Department of Administration is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.

Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. The South Carolina Department of Administration offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.

Click herefor additional information. 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days sick leave per year 13 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available(S.C

Deferred Compensation) Retirement benefit choices * State Retirement Plan(SCRS) State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP) *Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.


What State Of South Carolina employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


State of South Carolina logo

About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

Social media