Compensation and Benefits Managers vs. Financial Managers: Who Earns More?
Financial Managerss out-earn Compensation and Benefits Managerss by $17K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Compensation and Benefits Managerss land at $149,230 and Financial Managerss at $166,570. The education gap is real: compensation and benefits manager programs typically require bachelor's degree, while financial manager programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Compensation and Benefits Managerss is Washington ($199,190); for Financial Managerss it's New York ($219,880).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Compensation and Benefits Managers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Compensation and Benefits Managerss or Financial Managerss?
Financial Managerss earn more nationally. The median is $149,230 for Compensation and Benefits Managerss versus $166,570 for Financial Managerss, a difference of $17K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Compensation and Benefits Managers or Financial Managers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Compensation and Benefits Managers or Financial Managers?
Compensation and Benefits Managers typically requires bachelor's degree. Financial Managers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Compensation and Benefits Managerss get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Compensation and Benefits Managerss at $199,190/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Compensation and Benefits Managers vs. Financial Managers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Compensation and Benefits Managerss earn $199,190 vs. $174,840 for Financial Managerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.