Senior Compensation Manager Jobs in California
Senior Compensation Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, entertainment, financial services, and healthcare, with demand at every level from compensation analyst through director. The largest hiring hubs are San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose, where employers like Apple, Salesforce, and Kaiser Permanente maintain deep compensation teams. The most sought-after specialties include executive compensation, equity plan administration, and pay equity analytics, reflecting California's highly regulated labor environment and the equity-heavy packages common in its tech sector. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 62+ Senior Compensation Manager jobs
About the Team:
Our HR team’s mission is to attract, develop, motivate, and retain a diverse, productive, and passionate workforce that will successfully grow our business. Our team takes pride in backing the company’s most valuable resources- its people. We strive to ensure we are creating a safe, inclusive, and fulfilling work environment. Our passion for people is manifested through our unbiased and diplomatic natures. Successful members of our team are motivated to improve our efficiency and effectiveness, maintain our company culture, and successfully communicate with all levels and departments.
About the Role:
The Sr. Compensation Analyst is responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and ongoing evolution of our enterprise compensation programs. This role serves as an independent compensation advisor to HR Business Partners and business leaders, providing sound, data-driven guidance across market pricing, salary administration, job architecture, FLSA, incentive plans, executive compensation, and equity. As a key member of the Total Rewards team, you will lead complex analyses and cross-functional projects, partner closely with HRBPs, Talent Acquisition, Finance/Stock Administration, and Legal, and help scale programs that support our business and diverse workforce. This role reports to the Sr. Director - Total Rewards.
Responsibilities Include:
- Lead the development, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of corporate compensation programs, policies, and processes.
- Serve as an independent compensation advisor to HR partners and business leaders, providing timely, practical recommendations on pay decisions, market competitiveness, job leveling, and compensation policy.
- Lead the design, analysis, modeling, implementation, and administration of incentive plans and compensation programs, including cost modeling, accruals, forecasting, and business-impact analyses.
- Lead the creation and maintenance of compensation structures, including salary ranges, job levels, and related compensation architecture.
- Conduct market pricing and benchmarking analyses; manage salary survey participation and translate market data into actionable recommendations.
- Review job descriptions and apply job evaluation techniques to determine appropriate job classification, level, pay, and exemption status; and help ensure FLSA compliance.
- Lead core annual compensation processes, including merit increases and the performance review cycle; partner with HRIS and Payroll to ensure processes run smoothly, efficiently, and accurately.
- Develop and maintain calculations, forecasting, and reporting for incentive plans.
- Support the design and administration of executive compensation and equity programs; partner with Finance/Stock Administration and Legal on data, processes, communications, and governance requirements.
- Develop clear compensation communications, presentations, and recommendations for internal stakeholders and leaders.
- Lead cross-functional compensation projects from scoping through implementation; identify risks, coordinate stakeholders, and drive timely completion of deliverables.
- Improve compensation data, systems, controls, procedures, and reporting to strengthen operational effectiveness and decision-making.
- Partner with Talent Acquisition on offer-related compensation guidance and with other stakeholders on compensation matters throughout the employee lifecycle.
- Perform other duties and support broader Total Rewards projects as assigned.
About The Pay:
- Base Salary Range: $125,000 - $145,000 Annually
- Annual Bonus Program
- Equity
- 401(k) Profit Sharing
- Medical, Dental, Vision & More!
- Final compensation will be determined based upon experience and skills and may vary based on location.
About You:
- Bachelor’s Degree and 5 or more years of relevant compensation experience or equivalent work experience.
- Demonstrated experience with compensation principles and consulting, including market pricing, salary structures, compensation plan design, job evaluation and grading, salary administration, and FLSA review.
- Experience designing, administering, and modeling incentive plans, including annual, sales, and operational incentive programs.
- Experience supporting executive compensation and equity programs, including partnership with Finance/Stock Administration and Legal.
- Advanced analytical and technical skills, including expertise in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and HRIS/reporting tools; able to synthesize complex data into clear recommendations.
- Strong consulting, planning, problem-solving, project management, organizational, and communication skills; able to independently manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional projects.
- Demonstrated maturity in dealing with all levels of employees and the ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive employee information
- Experience with UKG and Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification are preferred.
To learn about how we collect, use and secure your personal information. Click here to see our privacy policy. (https://groceryoutlet.box.com/s/grigzgaixr2hmblr1vvw113sjngp2bsg)
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
About the Team:
Our HR team’s mission is to attract, develop, motivate, and retain a diverse, productive, and passionate workforce that will successfully grow our business. Our team takes pride in backing the company’s most valuable resources- its people. We strive to ensure we are creating a safe, inclusive, and fulfilling work environment. Our passion for people is manifested through our unbiased and diplomatic natures. Successful members of our team are motivated to improve our efficiency and effectiveness, maintain our company culture, and successfully communicate with all levels and departments.
About the Role:
The Sr. Compensation Analyst is responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and ongoing evolution of our enterprise compensation programs. This role serves as an independent compensation advisor to HR Business Partners and business leaders, providing sound, data-driven guidance across market pricing, salary administration, job architecture, FLSA, incentive plans, executive compensation, and equity. As a key member of the Total Rewards team, you will lead complex analyses and cross-functional projects, partner closely with HRBPs, Talent Acquisition, Finance/Stock Administration, and Legal, and help scale programs that support our business and diverse workforce. This role reports to the Sr. Director - Total Rewards.
Responsibilities Include:
- Lead the development, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of corporate compensation programs, policies, and processes.
- Serve as an independent compensation advisor to HR partners and business leaders, providing timely, practical recommendations on pay decisions, market competitiveness, job leveling, and compensation policy.
- Lead the design, analysis, modeling, implementation, and administration of incentive plans and compensation programs, including cost modeling, accruals, forecasting, and business-impact analyses.
- Lead the creation and maintenance of compensation structures, including salary ranges, job levels, and related compensation architecture.
- Conduct market pricing and benchmarking analyses; manage salary survey participation and translate market data into actionable recommendations.
- Review job descriptions and apply job evaluation techniques to determine appropriate job classification, level, pay, and exemption status; and help ensure FLSA compliance.
- Lead core annual compensation processes, including merit increases and the performance review cycle; partner with HRIS and Payroll to ensure processes run smoothly, efficiently, and accurately.
- Develop and maintain calculations, forecasting, and reporting for incentive plans.
- Support the design and administration of executive compensation and equity programs; partner with Finance/Stock Administration and Legal on data, processes, communications, and governance requirements.
- Develop clear compensation communications, presentations, and recommendations for internal stakeholders and leaders.
- Lead cross-functional compensation projects from scoping through implementation; identify risks, coordinate stakeholders, and drive timely completion of deliverables.
- Improve compensation data, systems, controls, procedures, and reporting to strengthen operational effectiveness and decision-making.
- Partner with Talent Acquisition on offer-related compensation guidance and with other stakeholders on compensation matters throughout the employee lifecycle.
- Perform other duties and support broader Total Rewards projects as assigned.
About The Pay:
- Base Salary Range: $125,000 - $145,000 Annually
- Annual Bonus Program
- Equity
- 401(k) Profit Sharing
- Medical, Dental, Vision & More!
- Final compensation will be determined based upon experience and skills and may vary based on location.
About You:
- Bachelor’s Degree and 5 or more years of relevant compensation experience or equivalent work experience.
- Demonstrated experience with compensation principles and consulting, including market pricing, salary structures, compensation plan design, job evaluation and grading, salary administration, and FLSA review.
- Experience designing, administering, and modeling incentive plans, including annual, sales, and operational incentive programs.
- Experience supporting executive compensation and equity programs, including partnership with Finance/Stock Administration and Legal.
- Advanced analytical and technical skills, including expertise in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and HRIS/reporting tools; able to synthesize complex data into clear recommendations.
- Strong consulting, planning, problem-solving, project management, organizational, and communication skills; able to independently manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional projects.
- Demonstrated maturity in dealing with all levels of employees and the ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive employee information
- Experience with UKG and Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification are preferred.
To learn about how we collect, use and secure your personal information. Click here to see our privacy policy. (https://groceryoutlet.box.com/s/grigzgaixr2hmblr1vvw113sjngp2bsg)
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 62 Senior Compensation Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Compensation Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Compensation Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- State Compensation Insurance Fund12
- Gallagher8
- Abramson Labor3
- UST2
- Uber2
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
- Technology & Software
- Aerospace & Defense
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior compensation manager jobs across California.
- CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) certification strongly preferred by California employers
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or a related field required
- Five or more years of progressive compensation experience including at least two in a lead role
- Deep knowledge of California wage and hour law, pay transparency requirements, and pay equity regulations
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or Oracle HCM
- Experience designing and administering equity compensation programs including RSUs and stock options
Senior Compensation Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior compensation manager in California?
The most direct path is a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or finance followed by progressive compensation roles, typically starting as a compensation analyst. California does not require a state-issued license for compensation professionals, but the Certified Compensation Professional designation from WorldatWork is widely expected by California employers at the senior level. Familiarity with California-specific requirements, including pay transparency disclosures and pay equity analysis under state law, is essential to be competitive in this market.
How much do senior compensation managers make in California?
Senior compensation managers in California earn a median of about $166,730 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $105,840 for the lowest 10% to over $289,910 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior compensation managers in California?
Employers hiring senior compensation managers in California right now include State Compensation Insurance Fund, Gallagher, and Abramson Labor, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, major health systems, and large financial services firms means demand for senior compensation professionals is spread across multiple industries rather than limited to a single sector.
Which California cities have the most senior compensation manager jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and California account for the most senior compensation manager openings in California. San Francisco and San Jose are driven by the density of technology and venture-backed companies that rely on complex equity compensation structures, while Los Angeles reflects demand from entertainment studios, healthcare systems, and large professional services firms headquartered in the region.
Are there remote senior compensation manager jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most HR specialties, since the work centers on data analysis, modeling, and program design that translates well to distributed teams. About 86% of senior compensation manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the influence of California's large technology employer base. The most consistently remote work involves market pricing, job architecture, and equity plan analysis, while on-site presence is more often required for executive compensation advisory and cross-functional project leadership.
How can I get hired as a senior compensation manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is landing a compensation analyst or HR generalist role at a large California employer, then moving laterally into a dedicated compensation function. Major California health systems such as Kaiser Permanente and large technology companies regularly bring on HR rotational program participants who rotate through compensation. Building proficiency in Workday or SAP SuccessFactors and completing foundational WorldatWork coursework gives candidates a concrete credential edge before they reach the senior level.
Where can I find and apply to senior compensation manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior compensation manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 62 Senior Compensation Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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