National Salary Overview
VS
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Median Salary
$136,904
Average (Mean)
$150,261
Employed Nationwide
21,540
Chief Executives earns $75,714 more (55.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$212,618
$136,904
Average (Mean) Salary
$263,025
$150,261
Total Employment
145,980
21,540
States with Higher Pay
39
1
Salary by State: Chief Executives vs Compensation and Benefits Managers
Showing 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chief Executives pays more in 39 states; Compensation and Benefits Managers pays more in 1.
| State | Chief Executives | Compensation and Benefits Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $166,420 | $118,470 | +$47,950 | ||
| Alaska | $166,710 | $122,490 | +$44,220 | ||
| Arkansas | $119,990 | $100,810 | +$19,180 | ||
| California | $218,600 | $166,730 | +$51,870 | ||
| Colorado | $213,370 | $165,770 | +$47,600 | ||
| Connecticut | $295,120 | $197,970 | +$97,150 | ||
| Delaware | $199,990 | $166,070 | +$33,920 | ||
| Georgia | $208,180 | $163,060 | +$45,120 | ||
| Hawaii | $281,640 | $110,120 | +$171,520 | ||
| Idaho | $177,210 | $90,020 | +$87,190 | ||
| Illinois | $331,920 | $151,730 | +$180,190 | ||
| Indiana | $254,180 | $118,180 | +$136,000 | ||
| Iowa | $211,190 | $118,250 | +$92,940 | ||
| Kansas | $158,100 | $114,070 | +$44,030 | ||
| Kentucky | $179,530 | $114,290 | +$65,240 | ||
| Maine | $138,770 | $129,690 | +$9,080 | ||
| Maryland | $248,660 | $139,860 | +$108,800 | ||
| Michigan | $255,560 | $151,620 | +$103,940 | ||
| Minnesota | $195,670 | $163,390 | +$32,280 | ||
| Mississippi | $139,250 | $89,250 | +$50,000 | ||
| Missouri | $172,320 | $106,490 | +$65,830 | ||
| Nebraska | $214,680 | $121,630 | +$93,050 | ||
| Nevada | $149,770 | $115,180 | +$34,590 | ||
| New Hampshire | $168,590 | $136,950 | +$31,640 | ||
| New Jersey | $310,440 | $168,370 | +$142,070 | ||
| New Mexico | $123,500 | $124,390 | $-890 | ||
| New York | $257,980 | $175,620 | +$82,360 | ||
| North Carolina | $314,290 | $135,240 | +$179,050 | ||
| Ohio | $176,440 | $141,920 | +$34,520 | ||
| Oklahoma | $163,790 | $107,760 | +$56,030 | ||
| Oregon | $341,630 | $161,470 | +$180,160 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $232,560 | $139,040 | +$93,520 | ||
| Rhode Island | $235,360 | $149,340 | +$86,020 | ||
| South Carolina | $168,840 | $99,630 | +$69,210 | ||
| Tennessee | $198,830 | $132,780 | +$66,050 | ||
| Texas | $257,850 | $136,930 | +$120,920 | ||
| Utah | $171,880 | $132,620 | +$39,260 | ||
| Virginia | $310,740 | $153,660 | +$157,080 | ||
| Washington | $339,810 | $199,190 | +$140,620 | ||
| Wisconsin | $208,350 | $127,920 | +$80,430 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chief Executives vs Compensation and Benefits Managers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chief Executives or Compensation and Benefits Managers?
On average across all states, a Chief Executives earns more than a Compensation and Benefits Managers. The national median salary difference is $75,714 (55.3%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chief Executives earn more than a Compensation and Benefits Managers?
A Chief Executives earns a higher median salary than a Compensation and Benefits Managers in 39 out of 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Compensation and Benefits Managers pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Chief Executives vs Compensation and Benefits Managers?
The national median salary for a Chief Executives is $212,618 per year, compared to $136,904 for a Compensation and Benefits Managers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chief Executives or Compensation and Benefits Managers?
There are more people employed as Chief Executives. BLS reports approximately 145,980 Chief Executives positions and 21,540 Compensation and Benefits Managers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Chief Executives or Compensation and Benefits Managers?
Both Chief Executives and Compensation and Benefits Managers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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