Compensation Manager

O*NET: Compensation and Benefits Managers·11-3111.00

The Verdict:Compensation and benefits management relies on data analysis, policy design, and compliance—AI now handles rapidly via specialized tools. Human strengths remain in nuanced advising on sensitive issues like discrimination and negotiations, but these are shrinking as teams consolidate. The role faces significant restructuring over the next decade.

Resilience Score

/100

Moderate Risk

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$140k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+0.2%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 4 of 22 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

18%

Low exposure

Task Analysis

Most of this role rewards AI fluency.
55% of tasks (12 of 22) become more productive with AI tools — learning to use them is the highest-leverage career move.

4exposed

12AI leverage

6human-essential

View all 22 tasks

AI Can Handle This4 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Fulfill all reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

Prepare budgets for personnel operations.

Prepare personnel forecasts to project employment needs.

Maintain records and compile statistical reports concerning personnel-related data, such as hires, transfers, performance appraisals, and absenteeism rates.

AI Leverage12 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits, compensation, and personnel policies.

Design, evaluate, and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.

Analyze compensation policies, government regulations, and prevailing wage rates to develop competitive compensation plan.

Identify and implement benefits to increase the quality of life for employees by working with brokers and researching benefits issues.

Manage the design and development of tools to assist employees in benefits selection, and to guide managers through compensation decisions.

Administer, direct, and review employee benefit programs, including the integration of benefit programs following mergers and acquisitions.

Prepare detailed job descriptions and classification systems and define job levels and families, in partnership with other managers.

Develop methods to improve employment policies, processes, and practices, and recommend changes to management.

Formulate policies, procedures and programs for recruitment, testing, placement, classification, orientation, benefits and compensation, and labor and industrial relations.

Study legislation, arbitration decisions, and collective bargaining contracts to assess industry trends.

Analyze statistical data and reports to identify and determine causes of personnel problems, and develop recommendations for improvement of organization's personnel policies and practices.

Contract with vendors to provide employee services, such as food services, transportation, or relocation service.

Human Advantage6 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Mediate between benefits providers and employees, such as by assisting in handling employees' benefits-related questions or taking suggestions.

Plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate work activities of subordinates and staff relating to employment, compensation, labor relations, and employee relations.

Plan and conduct new-employee orientations to foster positive attitude toward organizational objectives.

Negotiate bargaining agreements.

Advise management on such matters as equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment, and discrimination.

Represent organization at personnel-related hearings and investigations.

Resilience Landscape

Compensation Manager lands in Stable & Well-Paid

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