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Senior Compensation Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Compensation

Mclean, VA · On-site

$164K - $188K/yr

Manager, Compensation Are you interested in joining a team of Compensation professionals who enable ... and educate senior level decision-makers * Perform deep analysis on effectiveness and ...

Manager, Compensation

Mclean, VA · On-site

$164K - $188K/yr

Manager, Compensation Are you interested in joining a team of Compensation professionals who enable ... and educate senior level decision-makers * Perform deep analysis on effectiveness and ...

Manager, Compensation

Mclean, VA · On-site

$164K - $188K/yr

Manager, Compensation Are you interested in joining a team of Compensation professionals who enable ... and educate senior level decision-makers * Perform deep analysis on effectiveness and ...

Manager, Compensation

Mclean, VA · On-site

$164K - $188K/yr

Manager, Compensation Are you interested in joining a team of Compensation professionals who enable ... and educate senior level decision-makers * Perform deep analysis on effectiveness and ...

Manager, Compensation

Mclean, VA · On-site

$165 - $188/hr

Manager, Compensation Are you interested in joining a team of Compensation professionals who enable ... and educate senior level decision-makers * Perform deep analysis on effectiveness and ...

Your Impact Axon is looking for an experienced Manager of Equity Compensation who will be ... Senior Director - Head of Financial Reporting & Equity Work Location: This role is eligible to be ...

As a Manager of Equity Compensation, you will report directly to the Senior Director - Head of ... Senior Director - Head of Financial Reporting & Equity Work Location: This role is eligible to be ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Compensation Manager information

See Washington salary details

$83.7K

$132.3K

$172.3K

How much do senior compensation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior compensation manager in Washington is $132,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,440.00 and $159,439.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior compensation manager?

A Senior Compensation Manager oversees the development and implementation of compensation programs to ensure they align with business goals and market trends. They analyze salary data, manage pay structures, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Additionally, they collaborate with HR and leadership to design incentive plans that attract and retain top talent while maintaining internal equity. Their role often involves providing strategic recommendations on compensation policies and practices to support overall company objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior compensation manager?

To thrive as a Senior Compensation Manager, you need deep expertise in compensation strategy, data analysis, and market benchmarking, typically supported by a degree in human resources, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with HRIS platforms, advanced Excel skills, and certifications such as CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) are highly valued. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills help you navigate complex organizational structures and drive initiatives. These capabilities are crucial for designing competitive compensation programs that attract and retain top talent while ensuring internal equity and regulatory compliance.

What are the typical challenges a senior compensation manager faces, and how are they addressed?

Senior Compensation Managers often face challenges such as balancing internal equity with external market competitiveness, aligning pay structures with business goals, and managing the impact of regulatory changes. They address these through robust data analysis, regular market assessments, and collaboration with HR and business leaders to ensure compensation strategies are both fair and effective. Strong project management and communication skills are essential for implementing changes smoothly and gaining leadership buy-in. Proactively addressing these challenges helps ensure the organization remains competitive and compliant while supporting employee engagement and retention.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Compensation Manager jobs in Washington?

For Senior Compensation Manager jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Compensation Manager jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Compensation Manager jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Compensation Manager jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Senior Compensation Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Compensation Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,274 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Senior Compensation & Benefits Attorney (Qualified Plans)

Direct Counsel

Reston, VA

$390K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Senior Compensation & Benefits Attorney (Qualified Plans)
Boston, MA | Chicago, IL | Washington, D.C. | Los Angeles, CA | New York, NY | Palo Alto, CA | Reston, VA | San Diego, CA | San Francisco, CA

Direct Counsel is seeking a Senior Compensation & Benefits Attorney to join a prestigious Am Law 100 law firmwith a nationally recognized Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced benefits attorney with significant expertise advising clients on tax-qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, ERISA compliance, and employee benefits issues arising in corporate transactions.

About the Role

The firm's Compensation & Benefits group advises public and private companies, private equity sponsors, fiduciaries, plan sponsors, and financial institutions on a broad range of employee benefits, executive compensation, and ERISA-related matters.

Attorneys in this role will work on sophisticated matters involving:

  • Tax-qualified retirement plans

  • Defined contribution and defined benefit plans

  • Health and welfare benefit plans

  • ERISA compliance and fiduciary matters

  • Employee benefits aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and corporate transactions

  • Plan design, implementation, and administration

  • Regulatory compliance and risk management

  • Benefits-related due diligence

  • Government audits, investigations, and correction programs

  • Executive compensation and related advisory matters

This position offers substantial client interaction and the opportunity to advise on complex benefits issues across a variety of industries and transaction types.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

  • Advising clients on the design, implementation, and administration of qualified retirement and welfare benefit plans.

  • Counseling employers and plan fiduciaries regarding ERISA compliance requirements.

  • Drafting and revising plan documents, participant disclosures, amendments, and related materials.

  • Assisting clients with compliance testing and operational compliance matters.

  • Advising on IRS and Department of Labor filings, audits, and investigations.

  • Managing correction matters and regulatory compliance projects.

  • Supporting corporate transactions by advising on employee benefits due diligence and integration issues.

  • Counseling clients regarding benefits-related risks arising in mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and other strategic transactions.

Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.

  • Minimum of 6 years of employee benefits and ERISA experience.

  • Significant experience advising on:

    • Tax-qualified retirement plans

    • Health and welfare benefit plans

    • ERISA compliance and fiduciary matters

    • Employee benefits issues in corporate transactions

  • Experience drafting plan documents, amendments, and participant disclosures.

  • Familiarity with compliance testing requirements.

  • Experience handling IRS and Department of Labor filings, audits, and correction programs.

  • Strong analytical, drafting, and problem-solving skills.

  • Excellent written and oral communication abilities.

  • Ability to manage sophisticated client matters independently while working collaboratively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).

  • Familiarity with ERISA plan asset rules.

  • Experience advising private equity sponsors, public companies, or large plan sponsors.

Why Consider This Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity to join a highly sophisticated employee benefits practice and advise clients on some of the most complex benefits and transactional matters in the market.

Attorneys in this group benefit from:

  • Exposure to high-profile corporate and transactional work.

  • Direct client interaction and advisory responsibility.

  • Collaboration with leading practitioners in employee benefits, executive compensation, tax, and corporate law.

  • A nationally recognized platform with a diverse client base.

  • Strong mentorship and professional development opportunities.

  • Long-term career growth within a premier practice.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected annual compensation begins at $390,000+, with final compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, office location, and other relevant factors.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Pre-tax commuter benefits

  • Backup child and adult care resources

  • Generous parental leave and fertility benefits

  • Four weeks of vacation annually

  • Paid sick leave and firm holidays

  • Long-term financial wellness and retirement benefits

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior employee benefits attorney seeking sophisticated ERISA and qualified plan work, significant client responsibility, and a platform for long-term career advancement within a leading national practice.