Compensation and benefits managers
SOC Code: 11-3111
Compensation and benefits managers carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $140,360 and +0.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 20,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 42% AI exposure, Compensation and benefits managers sits 5 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 73% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Compensation and benefits managers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Compensation and benefits managers has ai exposure of 42%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Compensation and benefits managers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Compensation and benefits managers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Compensation and benefits managers (SOC 11-3111) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 20,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +0.2% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $140,360, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus 5 years or more of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Compensation and benefits managers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits, compensation, and personnel policies.
- 2. Design, evaluate, and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.
- 3. Fulfill all reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
- 4. Analyze compensation policies, government regulations, and prevailing wage rates to develop competitive compensation plan.
- 5. Identify and implement benefits to increase the quality of life for employees by working with brokers and researching benefits issues.
- 6. Manage the design and development of tools to assist employees in benefits selection, and to guide managers through compensation decisions.
- 7. Administer, direct, and review employee benefit programs, including the integration of benefit programs following mergers and acquisitions.
- 8. Mediate between benefits providers and employees, such as by assisting in handling employees' benefits-related questions or taking suggestions.
- 9. Plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate work activities of subordinates and staff relating to employment, compensation, labor relations, and employee relations.
- 10. Prepare detailed job descriptions and classification systems and define job levels and families, in partnership with other managers.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
- Time Management
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Personnel and Human Resources
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Economics and Accounting
- Mathematics
- Administrative
- Law and Government
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Compensation and benefits managers?
Compensation and benefits managers has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Compensation and benefits managers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Compensation and benefits managers is projected to grow by 0.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 20,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Compensation and benefits managers?
Key skills for Compensation and benefits managers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Compensation and benefits managers earn?
The median annual wage for Compensation and benefits managers is $140,360, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Compensation and benefits managers?
The typical entry-level education for Compensation and benefits managers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect 5 years or more of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Compensation and benefits managers?
Compensation and benefits managers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).