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Incentive Compensation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Director, Compensation

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$151K - $230K/yr

This role is responsible for ensuring that base and incentive compensation programs are aligned with RAND's strategic objectives and compliant with all relevant regulations. As a key business partner ...

This role is responsible for ensuring that base and incentive compensation programs are aligned with RAND's strategic objectives and compliant with all relevant regulations. As a key business partner ...

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Showing results 1-20

Incentive Compensation information

See California salary details

$35K

$113.2K

$167.3K

How much do incentive compensation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for incentive compensation in California is $113,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Incentive Compensation position, and why are they important?

Succeeding in Incentive Compensation requires strong analytical abilities, proficiency in compensation plan design, and a solid understanding of finance or business administration, often supported by a relevant degree. Expertise in Excel, HRIS systems, and compensation management software such as Xactly or CallidusCloud is highly valued, along with certifications like CCP (Certified Compensation Professional). Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally help professionals thrive in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate and motivating incentive programs that align sales and business objectives while minimizing errors and fostering employee engagement.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In incentive compensation roles, high earnings of $4,000 or more per week are often achieved through sales positions such as real estate agents, insurance agents, or financial advisors, which typically rely on commissions rather than formal degrees. Success in these roles depends on sales skills, client networks, and performance, with some top earners reaching or exceeding this level regularly.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in Incentive Compensation roles?

One of the most common challenges in Incentive Compensation positions is ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of complex payout calculations, especially when working with large sales teams or intricate compensation plans. Managing multiple stakeholders, such as finance, HR, and sales leadership, and adapting to frequent business changes or plan updates can also be demanding. Additionally, professionals need to effectively communicate compensation plan details and results to employees, sometimes translating technical information for a general audience. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires a mix of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and strong interpersonal abilities.

What is an Incentive Compensation job?

An Incentive Compensation job involves designing, managing, and analyzing compensation programs that motivate employees to achieve business goals. Professionals in this field create commission structures, bonuses, and performance-based rewards to align employee efforts with company objectives. They also ensure compliance with regulations, optimize compensation plans for effectiveness, and collaborate with HR and finance teams. This role requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of compensation strategies, and an understanding of business performance metrics.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

In incentive compensation roles, high-earning positions such as sales directors, financial advisors, or senior sales consultants can earn $700 or more per day through commissions, bonuses, or performance-based pay. These roles often require strong sales skills, industry experience, and sometimes certifications, with earnings varying based on performance and company structure.

What is an example of incentive compensation?

Incentive compensation for an incentive compensation role often includes bonuses, commissions, or profit-sharing plans that reward employees based on performance metrics such as sales targets or company profitability. These programs are designed to motivate employees to achieve specific business goals and are typically structured with clear performance criteria and payout schedules.

What is an incentive compensation role?

An incentive compensation role involves designing, managing, or administering pay structures that reward employees based on performance, such as commissions, bonuses, or profit-sharing. These roles often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of compensation strategies, and familiarity with payroll or HR systems.
What are the most commonly searched types of Incentive Compensation jobs in California? The most popular types of Incentive Compensation jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Incentive Compensation jobs in California? For Incentive Compensation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Incentive Compensation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Incentive Compensation jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Incentive Compensation job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,228 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Manager, Compensation (Incentive Compensation)

Manager, Compensation (Incentive Compensation)

Panda Restaurant Group

Rosemead, CA • Hybrid

$112K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Panda Express rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 731 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 105 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Summary of Job Description:

The Manager, Compensation (Incentive Comp) is responsible for the design, implementation, and engagement of the compensation structure and short-term incentive programs that support various business concepts. This position ensures alignment with market trends and company objectives through comprehensive benchmarking and market analysis, providing insights and informed decision-making. The Manager, Compensation (Incentive Comp) evaluates the effectiveness of current compensation programs, models the impact of proposed changes, and ensures compliance. This position will lead a team of analysts leveraging data to enhance overall business performance and drive different initiatives. 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Develops, recommends, and implements compensation structures (pay and short-term incentives) tailored to different business concepts, ensuring alignment with market trends, company objectives, and the needs of business partners.
  • Conducts benchmarking and market analysis to ensure competitive positioning of base pay and incentive plans. Evaluates the effectiveness of current compensation programs and models the impact of proposed changes.
  • Ensures compliance with FLSA standards, state, and federal wage regulations.
  • Develops and maintains compensation reports, dashboards, and metrics for data-driven decisions.
  • Oversees the administration of all short-term incentive plans, annual merit review, and other pay programs to ensure timeliness, accuracy, and engagement in the programs.
  • Leads and manages a team of analysts, providing guidance, training, and coaching to enhance their performance and achieve company and team objectives.


How we reward you:

  • Hybrid Work schedule 
  • 401K with company match
  • Yearly bonus opportunity*
  • Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
  • On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
  • Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
  • Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
  • Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
  • Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
  • Bereavement leave*

*Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates

Your background & experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree required; Business and/or HR major preferred
  • 5+ years in a HR/Compensation role with increasing management responsibility, preferably in a retail/hospitality operations environment is highly preferred
  • Successful completion of initial and periodically required training
  • Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position. 


Pay Range: M2: $112,500 - $158,000 / Annual

* Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.


#LI-Hybrid


Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re wanted here:

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com.




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About Panda Express

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panda Express is a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, specializing in American Chinese cuisine. It was established in 1983 in Glendale, California by Andrew and Peggy Cherng and has grown to become the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States, with in excess of 2,200 locations. Its headquarters are located in Rosemead, California. The eatery offers a variety of menu items, including their signature dish, Orange Chicken, along with other favorites like Kung Pao Chicken and Beef and Broccoli. Guided by their mission to "deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences," Panda Express is beloved by many for its convenience, consistently high quality, and innovative twists on traditional Chinese dishes.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemead, CA, US