Compensation & Benefits Specialist Salary in Merced
Manages employee pay structures, benefits programs, and job classification systems.
Merced ranks #3 of 530 U.S. metro areas for compensation & benefits specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $18,072 above the national average.
Merced vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $68,328 | $50,256 | +$18,072 | +36.0% |
| Level II | $93,642 | $61,931 | +$31,711 | +51.2% |
| Level III (Mid) | $118,955 | $73,605 | +$45,350 | +61.6% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $144,269 | $85,280 | +$58,989 | +69.2% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $83,824 | $163,509 | $137,218 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $76,752 | $130,998 | $113,090 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $62,837 | $112,362 | $96,034 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $63,544 | $109,221 | $94,141 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $63,190 | $109,221 | $94,037 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average compensation & benefits specialist salary in Merced?
The average compensation & benefits specialist salary in Merced is $119,205 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Merced at rank #3 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level compensation & benefits specialists earn in Merced?
Entry-level compensation & benefits specialists (Level I) in Merced earn $68,328 per year. Level II (early career) earns $93,642, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Merced compare to the national average for compensation & benefits specialist salaries?
Merced ranks #3 of 530 U.S. metro areas for compensation & benefits specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $18,072 above the national average. The national average compensation & benefits specialist salary is $73,722, while Merced workers average $119,205 — a difference of +62% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 13-1141.