1

Compensation Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Compensation Programs Manager

Madera, CA ยท Hybrid

$150K - $210K/yr

Compensation Programs Manager Hybrid (2 days onsite / 3 remote) $150,000 - $210,000 Opportunity Overview A large, mission-driven, complex organization is seeking a Compensation Manager to lead ...

Program Manager III

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$112.32K - $205.06K/yr

Focus is coordinating and managing the export/ import requirements, repair and retrofit of an MQ-9A ... This position is eligible for the Individual Compensation Program (ICP) bonus. * This position is ...

Program Manager III

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$112.32K - $205.06K/yr

Manage all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through completion, including ... This position is eligible for the Individual Compensation Program (ICP) bonus. * This position is ...

Senior Manager, Compensation

San Francisco, CA ยท Hybrid

$212.44K - $265.55K/yr

Manage Compensation programs, such as participating in benchmarking and surveys, to calibrate and maintain Brex's market positioning * Oversee annual merit cycle to ensure pay parity and competitive ...

Compensation Consultant

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Analyze, design and administer the organization's compensation program. * Monitors the ... Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize as necessary and leverage resources throughout the ...

Program Manager III

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$112.32K - $205.06K/yr

Manages programs which have defined program plans and delivery methodologies. Leads all phases of ... This position is eligible for the Individual Compensation Program (ICP) bonus. * This position is ...

Program Manager III

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$112.32K - $205.06K/yr

Manages programs which have defined program plans and delivery methodologies. Leads all phases of ... This position is eligible for the Individual Compensation Program (ICP) bonus. * This position is ...

Program Manager ID: 1571 Location: San Diego, CA More about this job > Description Data ... At Data Intelligence, LLC, we offer competitive compensation, a collaborative culture, and the ...

Program Manager

Burbank, CA ยท Hybrid

$131.50K - $170K/yr

Program Manager Req ID: 10149990 Program Manager Department Overview: We are seeking a Program ... A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Compensation Program Manager information

See California salary details

$36.3K

$109.7K

$172.7K

How much do compensation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation program manager in California is $109,655.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,600.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Compensation Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Compensation Program Manager, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of compensation strategies, and typically a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, or a related field. Familiarity with HRIS systems, market pricing tools like PayScale or Radford, and certifications such as CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) are highly valued. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills help you navigate complex pay structures and influence stakeholders. These capabilities are essential to ensure competitive, equitable, and compliant compensation programs that attract and retain top talent.

How does a Compensation Program Manager typically collaborate with HR and business leaders to ensure competitive and equitable pay practices?

Compensation Program Managers work closely with HR teams and business leaders to design, review, and adjust pay structures that align with organizational goals and market trends. They often facilitate discussions to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness, interpret compensation data, and provide guidance on pay decisions. Regular collaboration includes analyzing job roles, benchmarking salaries, and ensuring compliance with legal regulations. These cross-functional partnerships are essential for developing compensation programs that attract and retain top talent while maintaining fairness and transparency.

What does a Compensation Program Manager do?

A Compensation Program Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing an organization's compensation strategies and programs. This role ensures that employee salaries, bonuses, and benefits are competitive, compliant with legal requirements, and aligned with the company's business goals. Compensation Program Managers analyze market data, develop salary structures, and work closely with HR and leadership to attract and retain top talent. They also evaluate the effectiveness of compensation programs and recommend improvements as needed.

What is the difference between Compensation Program Manager vs Compensation Analyst?

AspectCompensation Program 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 EnvironmentStrategic planning, program development, cross-department collaborationData analysis, salary surveys, reporting, and policy implementation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in HR departments across various industries for managing compensation programsCommonly found in HR teams focusing on salary structures and data analysis

The Compensation Program Manager focuses on designing and managing compensation strategies and programs, while the Compensation Analyst primarily analyzes salary data and supports compensation policies. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to HR teams, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Compensation Program Manager jobs in California? For Compensation Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Compensation Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Compensation Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Compensation Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Compensation Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Compensation Program Manager job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,655 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Compensation Programs Manager

CFS

Madera, CA โ€ข Hybrid

$150K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Compensation Programs Manager
Hybrid (2 days onsite / 3 remote)
$150,000 โ€“ $210,000


Opportunity Overview

A large, mission-driven, complex organization is seeking a Compensation Manager to lead enterprise-wide compensation strategy for a workforce of approximately 3,500 employees.

This is a high-visibility leadership role responsible for driving market competitiveness, internal equity, and data-driven compensation decisions across the organization. The position partners closely with HR leadership, Finance, Recruiting, and executive stakeholders while managing two direct reports and owning compensation processes within Workday (recently implemented).

This role is open due to a relocation-related departure and is currently being supported on an interim basis. The organization is seeking a dedicated compensation leader to bring structure, strategy, and consistency to a growing and evolving environment.


Key Responsibilities
  • Lead job evaluations, market pricing, and enterprise-wide compensation reviews
  • Develop and present compensation recommendations to senior leadership
  • Perform advanced Excel-based modeling, cost analysis, and pay structure design
  • Manage job classification, reclassification, and approval workflows
  • Analyze workforce trends, retention data, and pay competitiveness
  • Oversee compensation processes within Workday HRIS in partnership with HR/IT
  • Interpret compensation surveys and ensure market alignment
  • Partner with Recruiting on offers, leveling, and compensation approvals
  • Lead, coach, and develop two direct reports

Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of compensation or advanced compensation analysis experience
  • Strong experience with compensation benchmarking, modeling, and job evaluation
  • Advanced Excel skills (modeling, forecasting, cost analysis)
  • HRIS experience required; Workday strongly preferred
  • Strong analytical judgment and stakeholder management skills

Compensation & Benefits
  • Base Salary: $150,000 โ€“ $208,000
  • Strong retirement plan with employer match
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (family eligible)
  • Generous PTO package (~25 days annually including holidays)
  • Life insurance, FSA, and optional supplemental benefits
  • Tuition/education assistance programs
  • Employee discounts and wellness perks
  • Additional lifestyle and financial benefits

Why This Role Stands Out
  • Highly stable organization with long-tenured leadership
  • Strong internal promotion culture and leadership accessibility
  • Opportunity to build and refine enterprise compensation strategy
  • High visibility role with direct impact on organizational pay philosophy
  • Stable, well-resourced environment with ongoing growth and investment

#LI-CS3
#INMAY2026