Compensation and Benefits Managers vs. General and Operations Managers: Who Earns More?
Compensation and Benefits Managers out-earn General and Operations Managers by $43K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Compensation and Benefits Managers land at $149,230 and General and Operations Managers at $105,770. The education gap is real: compensation and benefits manager programs typically require bachelor's degree, while general and operations manager programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Compensation and Benefits Managers is Washington ($199,190); for General and Operations Managers it's New Jersey ($173,690).
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 Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Compensation and Benefits Managers earn more nationally. The median is $149,230 for Compensation and Benefits Managers versus $105,770 for General and Operations Managers, a difference of $43K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Compensation and Benefits Managers or General and Operations Managers?
General and Operations Managers has the better 10-year outlook at 4.4% projected growth, compared to 0.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Compensation and Benefits Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Compensation and Benefits Managers typically requires bachelor's degree. General and Operations Managers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Compensation and Benefits Managers get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Compensation and Benefits Managers 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. General and Operations Managers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Compensation and Benefits Managers earn $199,190 vs. $133,750 for General and Operations Managers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.