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Compensation Program Manager Jobs in Columbia, SC

... a SAP Program Manager - Senior Associate, you will oversee and manage large-scale SAP ... Actual compensation within the range will be dependent upon the individual's skills, experience ...

Sr Compensation Analyst

Gaston, SC · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

... programs. Zeus Industrial Products, headquartered in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is the world ... Strong project management skills, ability to meet strict guidelines, and navigate a fast-paced ...

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Compensation Program Manager information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$35.6K

$99.4K

$145.2K

How much do compensation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation program manager in Columbia, SC is $99,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $122,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a compensation program manager?

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Compensation Program Manager job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,416 per year, or $47.8 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

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th 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.


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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

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