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Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Human Resources Managers: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Median Salary
$136,904
Average (Mean)
$150,261
Employed Nationwide
21,540
VS

Human Resources Managers

Median Salary
$138,550
Average (Mean)
$151,022
Employed Nationwide
220,670
Human Resources Managers earns $1,646 more (1.2%)
Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Human Resources Managers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Compensation and Benefits ManagersCompensation and Benefits Ma…Compensation and Benefits Managers: $136,905$136,905Human Resources ManagersHuman Resources ManagersHuman Resources Managers: $138,551$138,551

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $136,904 $138,550
Average (Mean) Salary $150,261 $151,022
Total Employment 21,540 220,670
States with Higher Pay 17 28

Salary by State: Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Human Resources Managers

Showing 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. Compensation and Benefits Managers pays more in 17 states; Human Resources Managers pays more in 28.

State Compensation and Benefits Managers Human Resources Managers Difference
Alabama $118,470
$113,210
+$5,260
Alaska $122,490
$129,570
$-7,080
Arizona $129,890
$139,820
$-9,930
Arkansas $100,810
$108,580
$-7,770
California $166,730
$170,080
$-3,350
Colorado $165,770
$166,400
$-630
Connecticut $197,970
$165,930
+$32,040
Delaware $166,070
$153,890
+$12,180
District of Columbia $160,990
$184,350
$-23,360
Florida $127,960
$137,790
$-9,830
Georgia $163,060
$150,700
+$12,360
Hawaii $110,120
$128,910
$-18,790
Idaho $90,020
$119,990
$-29,970
Illinois $151,730
$151,370
+$360
Indiana $118,180
$130,340
$-12,160
Iowa $118,250
$126,370
$-8,120
Kansas $114,070
$134,470
$-20,400
Kentucky $114,290
$121,460
$-7,170
Louisiana $99,840
$107,880
$-8,040
Maine $129,690
$129,720
$-30
Maryland $139,860
$152,770
$-12,910
Massachusetts $184,070
$181,780
+$2,290
Michigan $151,620
$138,930
+$12,690
Minnesota $163,390
$153,770
+$9,620
Mississippi $89,250
$106,100
$-16,850
Missouri $106,490
$130,680
$-24,190
Nebraska $121,630
$129,460
$-7,830
Nevada $115,180
$128,550
$-13,370
New Hampshire $136,950
$135,000
+$1,950
New Jersey $168,370
$172,440
$-4,070
New Mexico $124,390
$118,070
+$6,320
New York $175,620
$176,650
$-1,030
North Carolina $135,240
$142,990
$-7,750
Ohio $141,920
$130,480
+$11,440
Oklahoma $107,760
$116,080
$-8,320
Oregon $161,470
$140,570
+$20,900
Pennsylvania $139,040
$133,060
+$5,980
Rhode Island $149,340
$167,110
$-17,770
South Carolina $99,630
$124,290
$-24,660
Tennessee $132,780
$131,760
+$1,020
Texas $136,930
$136,500
+$430
Utah $132,620
$131,380
+$1,240
Virginia $153,660
$165,980
$-12,320
Washington $199,190
$165,530
+$33,660
Wisconsin $127,920
$133,490
$-5,570

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Human Resources Managers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Compensation and Benefits Managers or Human Resources Managers?
On average across all states, a Human Resources Managers earns more than a Compensation and Benefits Managers. The national median salary difference is $1,646 (1.2%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Compensation and Benefits Managers earn more than a Human Resources Managers?
A Compensation and Benefits Managers earns a higher median salary than a Human Resources Managers in 17 out of 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Human Resources Managers pays more in 28 states.
What is the median salary for a Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Human Resources Managers?
The national median salary for a Compensation and Benefits Managers is $136,904 per year, compared to $138,550 for a Human Resources Managers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Compensation and Benefits Managers or Human Resources Managers?
There are more people employed as Human Resources Managers. BLS reports approximately 21,540 Compensation and Benefits Managers positions and 220,670 Human Resources Managers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Compensation and Benefits Managers or Human Resources Managers?
Both Compensation and Benefits Managers and Human Resources 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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