1

Compensation Manager Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Director, Compensation

Mclean, VA · On-site

$126K - $172K/yr

Proactive management of risks, applying sound judgment and business acumen * Exhibit thought ... Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) * 5+ years of experience effectively leading and ...

Director, Compensation

Mclean, VA · On-site

$230 - $263/hr

Proactive management of risks, applying sound judgment and business acumen * Exhibit thought ... Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) * 5+ years of experience effectively leading and ...

Director, Compensation

Mclean, VA · On-site

$126K - $172K/yr

Proactive management of risks, applying sound judgment and business acumen * Exhibit thought ... Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) * 5+ years of experience effectively leading and ...

Director, Compensation

Reston, VA · On-site

$130K - $177K/yr

Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams * Advancedproficiencyin compensation analytics, reporting tools(MicrosoftExceland Power BI) Preferred Qualifications

Director, Compensation

Reston, VA · On-site

$139.10 - $251.45/hr

Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high‑performing teams * Advanced proficiency in compensation analytics, reporting tools (Microsoft Excel and Power BI) * Preferred ...

Director, Compensation

Reston, VA · On-site

$139.10 - $251.45/hr

Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams * Advanced proficiency in compensation analytics, reporting tools (Microsoft Excel and Power BI) Preferred ...

Director, Compensation

Reston, VA · On-site

$130K - $177K/yr

Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams * Advanced proficiency in compensation analytics, reporting tools (Microsoft Excel and Power BI) Preferred ...

Analyst III Compensation

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$86.32 - $129.48/hr

Manage key department activities and systems to ensure timely and accurate execution of the U.S. compensation planning cycle. * Monitor and evaluate compensation process performance to identify and ...

Controller Management Duties: None Compensation: $90,000-$105,000 annually Position Overview The Senior Compensation Specialist is a key member of the HR and Accounting teams responsible for ...

Controller Management Duties: None Compensation: $90,000-$105,000 annually Position Overview The Senior Compensation Specialist is a key member of the HR and Accounting teams responsible for ...

Lead and manage significant compensation projects that improve pay programs, processes, or policies, driving measurable business results. * Support and enhance employee recognition programs ...

Controller Management Duties: None Compensation: $90,000-$105,000 annually Position Overview The Senior Compensation Specialist is a key member of the HR and Accounting teams responsible for ...

Showing results 41-60

Compensation Manager information

See Washington, DC salary details

$40.2K

$129.9K

$192K

How much do compensation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation manager in Washington, DC is $129,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,700.00 and $150,100.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Compensation jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Compensation Manager jobs in Washington, DC?

For Compensation Manager jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Compensation Manager jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Compensation Manager jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Compensation Manager job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,943 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

$230 - $263/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Director, Compensation

Are you interested in joining a team of Total Rewards leaders who enable game-changing business results by providing programs and solutions that unleash greatness in our associates? Here at Capital One we bring an analytically rigorous, data-driven approach to compensation. We work in a business-casual, collaborative environment where one’s contributions are recognized, successes are elevated and effort is rewarded. Capital One provides an environment where you can excel in your career while still maintaining a work life balance that others will desire. We nurture a work environment where people with a variety of thoughts, ideas and backgrounds, guided by our shared Values, come together to make Capital One a great company – and a great place to work.

Capital One is looking for an innovative Director, Compensation to join our Total Rewards team. We are looking for proven leadership candidates who are attentive to detail, results-oriented, and flexible with the ability to navigate challenging forces in a fast-paced environment with significant change.

The role will partner with senior leaders and play an active role formulating an innovative compensation strategy. The successful candidate is an exceptional people leader, has intellectual curiosity and strong communication, influencing, and problem solving skills, and an ability to build strong partnerships across stakeholders, partners, and clients. This Director is expected to represent their clients points of view in enterprise-wide initiatives.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and develop a team of Compensation professionals to ensure they have a thorough understanding of the business strategy as it relates to the enterprise compensation strategy and can design, deliver and manage compensation programs for their assigned client groups in a well managed way
  • Inclusive leader focused on creating a culture of belonging and collaboration through attracting, actively developing, and supporting talent across Compensation
  • Lead meetings with senior executives, inclusive of developing compelling meeting materials, challenging and debating respectfully, and influencing outcomes
  • Lead strategic compensation projects, key initiatives or processes horizontally caring for the needs of clients enterprise-wide. This includes defining the roadmap and destination state in alignment with our Total Rewards vision.
  • Oversee all aspects of Line-of-Business (LOB) incentive plans for designated client groups, with a strong emphasis on plan design and governance.
  • Lead team and clients through mid-year and year-end compensation cycles, ensuring smooth execution and managing within internal controls
  • Proactive management of risks, applying sound judgment and business acumen
  • Exhibit thought leadership and foster strong relationships both within Total Rewards and across client and partner groups (e.g., HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, DIB, Finance, Legal, Enterprise Risk) including approaching work with a “One Team” mentality
  • Serve as escalation point, owning resolution with partners and business leaders within client group (e.g. offers, retention, pay exceptions)
  • Proactively stay up-to-date on industry and market trends that may impact our ability to attract and retain talent
  • Strong problem solving capabilities leveraging an outside-in lens to develop innovative solutions
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree or military experience
  • At least 7 years of experience in compensation, finance, or human resources
  • At least 3 years of experience in people leadership
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s Degree in Accounting, Statistics, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or Human Resources
  • Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
  • 5+ years of experience effectively leading and communicating compensation strategies at all levels including the C-Suite
  • 5+ years of experience in the Financial Services or Tech industry
  • Experience designing incentive plans
  • Knowledge of human resources and compensation including knowledge of relevant Federal, State, Local laws/regulations relating to compensation
  • Advanced Excel skills (e.g., VBA, macros, array functions)
  • Experience innovating processes or programs
  • Experience with benchmarking tools (MarketPay, BetterComp) and reporting tools (Tableau, Business Objects)
  • Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Google Products (e.g. Sheets, Slides)

At this time, Capital One will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.

McLean, VA: $230,400 - $263,000 for Director, Compensation

Richmond, VA: $209,500 - $239,100 for Director, Compensation

Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate’s offer letter.

This role is also eligible to earn performance based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non discretionary depending on the plan.

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well-being. Learn more at the Capital One Careers website. Eligibility varies based on full or part-time status, exempt or non-exempt status, and management level.

Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to non-discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Capital One promotes a drug-free workplace. Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries, including, to the extent applicable, Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law; San Francisco, California Police Code Article 49, Sections 4901-4920; New York City’s Fair Chance Act; Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Records Screening Act; and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding criminal background inquiries.

If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Capital One Recruiting at 1-800-304-9102 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@capitalone.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

For technical support or questions about Capital One's recruiting process, please send an email to Careers@capitalone.com.

#J-18808-Ljbffr