National Salary Overview
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Median Salary
$136,904
Average (Mean)
$150,261
Employed Nationwide
21,540
VS
Purchasing Managers earns $2,937 more (2.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$136,904
$139,842
Average (Mean) Salary
$150,261
$146,959
Total Employment
21,540
84,150
States with Higher Pay
15
29
Salary by State: Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Purchasing Managers
Showing 44 states where both occupations have BLS data. Compensation and Benefits Managers pays more in 15 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 29.
| State | Compensation and Benefits Managers | Purchasing Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $118,470 | $130,710 | $-12,240 | ||
| Alaska | $122,490 | $114,650 | +$7,840 | ||
| Arizona | $129,890 | $138,940 | $-9,050 | ||
| Arkansas | $100,810 | $156,450 | $-55,640 | ||
| California | $166,730 | $159,830 | +$6,900 | ||
| Colorado | $165,770 | $171,250 | $-5,480 | ||
| Connecticut | $197,970 | $138,680 | +$59,290 | ||
| District of Columbia | $160,990 | $175,720 | $-14,730 | ||
| Florida | $127,960 | $133,410 | $-5,450 | ||
| Georgia | $163,060 | $155,360 | +$7,700 | ||
| Hawaii | $110,120 | $113,490 | $-3,370 | ||
| Idaho | $90,020 | $136,970 | $-46,950 | ||
| Illinois | $151,730 | $153,370 | $-1,640 | ||
| Indiana | $118,180 | $126,880 | $-8,700 | ||
| Iowa | $118,250 | $121,580 | $-3,330 | ||
| Kansas | $114,070 | $159,850 | $-45,780 | ||
| Kentucky | $114,290 | $124,350 | $-10,060 | ||
| Louisiana | $99,840 | $109,630 | $-9,790 | ||
| Maine | $129,690 | $135,970 | $-6,280 | ||
| Maryland | $139,860 | $161,470 | $-21,610 | ||
| Massachusetts | $184,070 | $170,750 | +$13,320 | ||
| Michigan | $151,620 | $142,120 | +$9,500 | ||
| Minnesota | $163,390 | $144,810 | +$18,580 | ||
| Mississippi | $89,250 | $122,940 | $-33,690 | ||
| Missouri | $106,490 | $132,100 | $-25,610 | ||
| Nebraska | $121,630 | $124,010 | $-2,380 | ||
| Nevada | $115,180 | $120,270 | $-5,090 | ||
| New Hampshire | $136,950 | $162,900 | $-25,950 | ||
| New Jersey | $168,370 | $174,520 | $-6,150 | ||
| New Mexico | $124,390 | $134,790 | $-10,400 | ||
| New York | $175,620 | $166,300 | +$9,320 | ||
| North Carolina | $135,240 | $138,710 | $-3,470 | ||
| Ohio | $141,920 | $134,580 | +$7,340 | ||
| Oklahoma | $107,760 | $119,310 | $-11,550 | ||
| Oregon | $161,470 | $137,190 | +$24,280 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $139,040 | $141,790 | $-2,750 | ||
| Rhode Island | $149,340 | $134,560 | +$14,780 | ||
| South Carolina | $99,630 | $131,720 | $-32,090 | ||
| Tennessee | $132,780 | $137,060 | $-4,280 | ||
| Texas | $136,930 | $134,670 | +$2,260 | ||
| Utah | $132,620 | $125,940 | +$6,680 | ||
| Virginia | $153,660 | $166,230 | $-12,570 | ||
| Washington | $199,190 | $162,730 | +$36,460 | ||
| Wisconsin | $127,920 | $124,990 | +$2,930 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Purchasing Managers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $2,937 (2.1%) based on 2025 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 15 out of 44 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 29 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 $136,904 per year, compared to $139,842 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2025 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 21,540 Compensation and Benefits Managers positions and 84,150 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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