Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Purchasing Managers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Median Salary
$126,762
Average (Mean)
$138,611
Employed Nationwide
17,040
VS

Purchasing Managers

Median Salary
$128,820
Average (Mean)
$136,460
Employed Nationwide
77,350
Purchasing Managers earns $2,058 more (1.6%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $126,762 $128,820
Average (Mean) Salary $138,611 $136,460
Total Employment 17,040 77,350
States with Higher Pay 14 28

Salary by State: Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Purchasing Managers

Showing 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. Compensation and Benefits Managers pays more in 14 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 28.

State Compensation and Benefits Managers Purchasing Managers Difference
Alabama $104,300
$124,130
$-19,830
Alaska $106,280
$107,380
$-1,100
Arkansas $92,460
$108,850
$-16,390
California $154,530
$153,510
+$1,020
Colorado $158,750
$153,980
+$4,770
Connecticut $168,440
$129,760
+$38,680
District of Columbia $164,980
$163,240
+$1,740
Florida $116,850
$131,740
$-14,890
Georgia $147,490
$131,670
+$15,820
Hawaii $93,070
$109,660
$-16,590
Illinois $116,580
$136,930
$-20,350
Indiana $114,000
$113,330
+$670
Iowa $94,350
$114,340
$-19,990
Kansas $119,950
$131,380
$-11,430
Kentucky $105,480
$109,990
$-4,510
Louisiana $89,550
$108,570
$-19,020
Maine $127,170
$128,010
$-840
Maryland $136,380
$145,600
$-9,220
Massachusetts $169,690
$154,760
+$14,930
Michigan $134,100
$134,970
$-870
Minnesota $138,260
$139,790
$-1,530
Mississippi $86,760
$101,240
$-14,480
Missouri $129,410
$135,720
$-6,310
Nebraska $110,390
$124,190
$-13,800
Nevada $79,240
$104,380
$-25,140
New Hampshire $120,300
$140,290
$-19,990
New Jersey $179,090
$168,210
+$10,880
New York $179,110
$165,930
+$13,180
North Carolina $126,290
$129,140
$-2,850
Ohio $140,240
$128,500
+$11,740
Oklahoma $100,760
$106,730
$-5,970
Oregon $138,980
$126,330
+$12,650
Pennsylvania $100,740
$134,010
$-33,270
Rhode Island $161,970
$139,100
+$22,870
South Carolina $92,410
$113,110
$-20,700
Tennessee $114,040
$122,270
$-8,230
Texas $125,010
$128,960
$-3,950
Utah $115,390
$119,370
$-3,980
Virginia $151,420
$153,600
$-2,180
Washington $175,900
$154,190
+$21,710
West Virginia $111,660
$132,350
$-20,690
Wisconsin $132,240
$121,880
+$10,360

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Compensation and Benefits Managers or Purchasing Managers?
On average across all states, a Purchasing Managers earns more than a Compensation and Benefits Managers. The national median salary difference is $2,058 (1.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Compensation and Benefits Managers earn more than a Purchasing Managers?
A Compensation and Benefits Managers earns a higher median salary than a Purchasing Managers in 14 out of 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 28 states.
What is the median salary for a Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Compensation and Benefits Managers is $126,762 per year, compared to $128,820 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Compensation and Benefits Managers or Purchasing Managers?
There are more people employed as Purchasing Managers. BLS reports approximately 17,040 Compensation and Benefits Managers positions and 77,350 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Compensation and Benefits Managers or Purchasing Managers?
Both Compensation and Benefits Managers and Purchasing 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.