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Incentive Compensation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Develop and maintain pay structures, including hourly, salaried, and incentive-based compensation programs. * Support compensation strategies for high-volume, hourly workforces, including shift ...

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Compensation Analyst

Pico Rivera, CA · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

Develop and maintain pay structures, including hourly, salaried, and incentive-based compensation programs * Support compensation strategies for high-volume, hourly workforces, including shift ...

Showing results 21-40

Incentive Compensation information

See California salary details

$35K

$113.2K

$167.3K

How much do incentive compensation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 incentive compensation roles?

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 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?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,228 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Manager, Total Rewards - Compensation, Variable & Equity

Qcells

San Francisco, CA

$139K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Qcells rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

Are you passionate about building competitive, data-driven total rewards programs that support a mission-driven organization shaping tomorrow’s future? We are seeking an experienced Manager, Total Rewards who is responsible for the design, administration, and governance of the company’s compensation programs. While this role has primary accountability for incentive compensation programs, it also plays a broad role in managing base pay structures, job architecture, market pricing, and annual compensation processes. The position ensures compensation programs are competitive, equitable, compliant, and aligned with the organization’s talent and business strategies. This position reports directly to the Head of HR for G&ES Business Division. 

RESPONSIBILITIES
Compensation Strategy & Program Management
  • Support the development and ongoing management of the company’s overall compensation philosophy and strategy
  • Design, implement, and administer incentive compensation programs that drive performance and align with business objectives
  • Support the administration of base salary structures, pay ranges, job leveling, and job architecture frameworks
  • Conduct market pricing and benchmarking to ensure external competitiveness and internal equity
  • Partner with HR leaders on compensation decisions related to hiring, promotions, transfers, and retention
Incentive Compensation Administration
  • Lead the design, documentation, and governance of incentive and variable pay plans
  • Manage incentive plan modeling, calculations, validation, and payout processes
  • Maintain incentive compensation systems and tools; ensure data accuracy and system integrity
  • Prepare incentive plan communications, training materials, and participant support resources
  • Analyze incentive program effectiveness, cost, and performance outcomes; provide recommendations for improvement
Annual Compensation Processes
  • Support annual merit, bonus, and incentive planning cycles, including budgeting, modeling, and execution
  • Partner with Finance to ensure accurate compensation forecasting, accruals, and spend management
  • Provide guidance and analysis to leaders during compensation review and planning cycles
Governance, Compliance & Analytics
  • Develop and maintain compensation policies, guidelines, and governance documentation
  • Ensure compensation programs comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal controls
  • Conduct audits, reconciliations, and reviews to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance
  • Prepare compensation analytics, dashboards, and reports for leadership and HR stakeholders
  • Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve tools, and enhance compensation program scalability
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field
  • 6+ years of progressive experience in compensation, total rewards, or incentive compensation
  • Experience supporting SaaScompany using subscription-based variable compensation or other high-growth industries.
  • Strong working knowledge of compensation principles, market pricing, and incentive plan design
  • Experience with compensation and HR systems; advanced Excel and analytical skills
  • Ability to manage complex data and provide clear, actionable recommendations
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and influencing skills
  • High level of discretion, attention to detail, and sound judgment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience supporting SaaScompany using subscription-based variable compensation or other high-growth industries.
  • CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) certification or progress toward certification
  • Experience supporting performance-driven or sales organizations
  • Familiarity with incentive compensation management platforms
  • Experience in a multi-location or global environment
 
Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions.  Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services.  We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.
 
PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: 
To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.  
Mobility 
Standing 
20% of time  
Sitting 
70% of time  
Walking 
10% of time  
Strength 
Pulling 
up to 10 Pounds  
Pushing 
up to 10 Pounds  
Carrying 
up to 10 Pounds  
Lifting 
up to 10 Pounds  
Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) 
Typing 
Handling 
Reaching 
Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) 
Turning 
Twisting 
Bending 
Crouching 
Balancing 
Climbing 
Crawling 
Kneeling 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

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