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(Payroll) Compensation Analyst Salary in the United States

How much does a (Payroll) Compensation Analyst make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a (Payroll) Compensation Analyst in the United States is $88,108 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

However, a (Payroll) Compensation Analyst's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $102,752
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $81,192 to $95,773
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $74,895
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out (Payroll) Compensation Analyst Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence (Payroll) Compensation Analyst Salaries

A (Payroll) Compensation Analyst's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects (Payroll) Compensation Analyst Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a (Payroll) Compensation Analyst's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $63,872
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $74,774
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $86,511
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $105,028
  • Expert (over 8 years): $90,907
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Payroll Administrator I less than 1 year $63,872
Payroll Administrator II 1-2 years $74,774
(Payroll) Compensation Analyst 2-4 years $86,511
Payroll Administrator IV 5-8 years $105,028
Payroll Team Lead over 8 years $90,907

How Do (Payroll) Compensation Analyst Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract (Payroll) Compensation Analysts. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $97,553.
  • California: $97,183.
  • Massachusetts: $95,888.

Top Paying Cities for (Payroll) Compensation Analyst

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $111,130
  • San Francisco: $109,914
  • Oakland: $107,597

(Payroll) Compensation Analyst Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For (Payroll) Compensation Analyst roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, (Payroll) Compensation Analyst positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view (Payroll) Compensation Analyst as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a (Payroll) Compensation Analyst

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $96,919 $47.0 10%
Energy & Utilities $96,919 $47.0 10%
Financial Services $96,919 $47.0 10%
Internet $96,919 $47.0 10%
Pharmaceuticals $96,919 $47.0 10%

(Payroll) Compensation Analyst Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a (Payroll) Compensation Analyst's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$81,192
Average $88,108/year
$95,773
$6,766
Average $7,342/month
$7,981
$1,561
Average $1,694/week
$1,842
$39
Average $42/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $95,773 $7,981 $1,842 $46
Average $88,108 $7,342 $1,694 $42
25th Percentile $81,192 $6,766 $1,561 $39

Most common benefits for (Payroll) Compensation Analyst

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for (Payroll) Compensation Analyst

Here are companies hiring for (Payroll) Compensation Analyst and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next (Payroll) Compensation Analyst Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current (Payroll) Compensation Analyst job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about (Payroll) Compensation Analyst

1. What industry pays the highest salary for (Payroll) Compensation Analyst?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for (Payroll) Compensation Analyst roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

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