Salary AI Book a Demo

(Payroll) Compensation Specialist Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a (Payroll) Compensation Specialist make in District of Columbia? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a (Payroll) Compensation Specialist in District of Columbia is $55,870 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $67,835
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $50,635 to $62,133
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,868
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out (Payroll) Compensation Specialist Job Openings in District of Columbia

Key Factors That Influence (Payroll) Compensation Specialist Salaries

A (Payroll) Compensation Specialist'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 Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a (Payroll) Compensation Specialist'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): $54,566
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $68,422
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $75,901
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $102,211
  • Expert (over 8 years): $122,028
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
(Payroll) Compensation Specialist less than 1 year $54,566
Computer Operator II 1-2 years $68,422
Computer Operator III 2-4 years $75,901
Computer Operations Shift Supervisor 5-8 years $102,211
Computer Operations Supervisor over 8 years $122,028

How Do (Payroll) Compensation Specialist 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 Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $55,870.
  • California: $55,658.
  • Massachusetts: $54,917.

Top Paying Cities for (Payroll) Compensation Specialist

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:

  • Parcel Return Service: $55,567
  • Washington: $55,568
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $55,565

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

For (Payroll) Compensation Specialist 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 Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, (Payroll) Compensation Specialist positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view (Payroll) Compensation Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a (Payroll) Compensation Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $61,457 $30.0 10%
Biotechnology $61,457 $30.0 10%
Business Services $61,457 $30.0 10%
Chemicals $61,457 $30.0 10%
Construction $61,457 $30.0 10%

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

Understanding how a (Payroll) Compensation Specialist'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$50,635
Average $55,870/year
$62,133
$4,220
Average $4,656/month
$5,178
$974
Average $1,074/week
$1,195
$24
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $62,133 $5,178 $1,195 $30
Average $55,870 $4,656 $1,074 $27
25th Percentile $50,635 $4,220 $974 $24

Find Your Next (Payroll) Compensation Specialist Job

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

  • Avantgarde | Washington, DC

    Payroll and Processing Specialist

    Avantgarde | Washington, DC

    Payroll and Processing Specialist in Washington, DCThe AvantGarde, LLC (AG) Payroll and Processing Specialist provides expert support to the Architect of t... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Navy Mutual | Washington, DC

    Retirement Plan&amp Payroll Specialist

    Navy Mutual | Washington, DC

    Retirement Plan & Payroll SpecialistAre you a retirement plan expert who thrives on precision and cares about supporting employees through some of the most... more

    6 Days Ago

  • ProSidian Consulting | Washington, DC

    Compensation Benefits and Job Analysis Specialist

    ProSidian Consulting | Washington, DC

    Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis SpecialistProSidian is a Management and Operations Consulting Services Firm focusing on providing value to clients... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Dynamis | Washington, DC

    Human Resources Specialist

    Dynamis | Washington, DC

    Human Resources Specialist (Benefits and Payroll)Dynamis is seeking a HR Specialist in Benefits and Payroll to administer federal benefits programs and pro... more

    8 Days Ago

  • X-Ray Associates of New Mexico | ALBUQUERQUE, NM

    Payroll Specialist

    X-Ray Associates of New Mexico | ALBUQUERQUE, NM

    Description. Join an Exceptional Organization with more than 70 years in the New Mexico Medical Community. X-Ray Associates of New Mexico is hiring a Full ... more

    19 Days Ago

  • BREEN & SULLIVAN MECHANICAL SERVICES INC | WILMINGTON, MA

    Northeast Regional Payroll Specialist and HR Support

    BREEN & SULLIVAN MECHANICAL SERVICES INC | WILMINGTON, MA

    Description. Locations: Breen and Sullivan Mechanical Service, Caswell Mechanical, Shawsheen Air Services. Additional Northeast business units may be added... more

    12 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst