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Equity Compensation Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equity Compensation Associate (ECA) certification or two years of experience in a similar in-house equity administration role. • Preferred: Certified Equity Professional (CEP) designation. • ...

Equity Compensation Associate (ECA) certification or two years of experience in a similar in-house equity administration role. • Preferred: Certified Equity Professional (CEP) designation. • ...

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Equity Compensation Associate information

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$8

$19

How much do equity compensation associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for equity compensation associate in the United States is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Equity Compensation Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Equity Compensation Associate, you need a solid understanding of equity plans, tax regulations, and financial reporting, often supported by a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Familiarity with equity administration platforms like Shareworks or E*TRADE, as well as relevant certifications such as CEP (Certified Equity Professional), is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate management of equity programs, regulatory compliance, and clear support to employees and stakeholders.

What are some common challenges faced by Equity Compensation Associates when managing equity plans across different jurisdictions?

Equity Compensation Associates often encounter challenges related to varying tax regulations, legal compliance, and reporting requirements when administering equity plans internationally. Navigating these complexities requires staying updated on local laws, coordinating with legal and payroll teams, and ensuring accurate communication with employees. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential, as mistakes can lead to compliance issues or employee dissatisfaction. Collaborating closely with HR, finance, and external advisors helps mitigate risks and ensures smooth plan administration.

What does an Equity Compensation Associate do?

An Equity Compensation Associate is responsible for administering and managing employee equity plans, such as stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and employee stock purchase programs. They ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, maintain accurate records, and communicate plan details to employees. Equity Compensation Associates also assist with reporting, support audits, and may collaborate with HR, finance, and legal departments to implement and update equity programs. Their work helps ensure that employees receive and understand the equity benefits offered by their employer.

What is the difference between Equity Compensation Associate vs Equity Compensation Analyst?

AspectEquity Compensation AssociateEquity Compensation Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, possibly some certification in HR or financeBachelor's degree, often with certifications like CFA or CPA
Work EnvironmentCorporate HR or Compensation DepartmentFinance or Compensation Department, often more analytical focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, finance, and large corporations for employee equity plansCommon in finance, consulting, and large corporations analyzing equity data
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in employee equity programsAnalyzing equity compensation data and strategies

While both roles involve equity compensation, the Associate typically handles administrative tasks and employee communication, whereas the Analyst focuses on data analysis and strategy. The Analyst role often requires more advanced financial skills and certifications, making it more analytical in nature.

More about Equity Compensation Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Equity Compensation Associate jobs? Cities with the most Equity Compensation Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Equity Compensation jobs? The most popular types of Equity Compensation jobs are:
What states have the most Equity Compensation Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Equity Compensation Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Equity Compensation Associate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,666 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Compensation & Benefits Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

San Diego, CA

$260K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Compensation & Benefits Associate Attorney
Locations

Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Downtown Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Palo Alto, California; Reston, Virginia; San Diego, California; San Francisco, California; Santa Monica, California; Washington, DC

Direct Counsel is seeking a Compensation & Benefits Associate Attorney to join the nationally recognized executive compensation and employee benefits practice of a premier law firm.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a 3rd–6th year associate with sophisticated experience in executive compensation, equity arrangements, public company disclosure, and transactional benefits support to work on high-profile matters involving M&A, IPOs, and complex compensation structures.

The role offers substantial exposure to deal-driven compensation work, public company counseling, and executive arrangements for leading corporate clients.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have 3–6 years of executive compensation and employee benefits experience, including strong familiarity with:

  • Equity and executive compensation
  • Proxy disclosures
  • Employment agreements
  • Severance agreements
  • IRC Sections 280G and 409A
  • Compensation issues in mergers & acquisitions
  • IPO-related compensation matters
  • Public company governance and disclosure support

This is an excellent opportunity for an associate who enjoys both standalone executive compensation counseling and deal-side compensation support.

Key Responsibilities
  • Advise clients on:
    • Executive compensation arrangements
    • Equity incentive plans
    • Employment and severance agreements
    • Change-in-control protections
    • Deferred compensation structures
  • Support compensation and benefits issues in:
    • M&A transactions
    • IPOs
    • Capital markets transactions
    • Corporate restructurings
  • Draft and review:
    • Equity award agreements
    • Proxy disclosures
    • Employment contracts
    • Retention and severance agreements
    • Transaction bonus and rollover structures
  • Counsel on compliance with:
    • IRC 280G
    • IRC 409A
    • SEC disclosure requirements
  • Work closely with M&A, capital markets, tax, and employment teams on integrated matters
  • Advise boards, compensation committees, and senior executives on compensation governance issues
Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school
  • 3–6 years of compensation & benefits experience
  • Strong background in:
    • Executive compensation
    • Equity compensation
    • Proxy disclosures
    • M&A and IPO compensation support
    • 280G and 409A analysis
  • Excellent academic credentials
  • Superior writing, oral communication, and analytical skills
  • Strong client counseling and drafting abilities
  • Admission in the applicable jurisdiction preferred
Compensation

Base salary range: $260,000 – $390,000

Compensation will vary based on office, class year, experience, and overall fit.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal attorney will be:

  • Strong in executive compensation and public company work
  • Comfortable with transaction-side benefits support
  • Experienced with 280G and 409A technical issues
  • Interested in high-level board and compensation committee matters
  • Commercially minded and detail-oriented
  • Looking for national platform sophistication
Why This Opportunity

This is a highly attractive opportunity for a midlevel executive compensation associate seeking sophisticated deal flow, public company counseling, and strong national flexibility across major legal markets. The multi-office platform plus M&A/IPO crossover makes this especially compelling for associates looking to deepen both technical and transactional compensation expertise.