Compensation & Benefits Specialist Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Manages employee pay structures, benefits programs, and job classification systems.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #213 of 530 U.S. metro areas for compensation & benefits specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $9,211 above the national average.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $59,467 | $50,256 | +$9,211 | +18.3% |
| Level II | $67,538 | $61,931 | +$5,607 | +9.1% |
| Level III (Mid) | $75,608 | $73,605 | +$2,003 | +2.7% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $83,678 | $85,280 | $-1,602 | -1.9% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $83,824 | $163,509 | $137,218 |
| Merced | $68,328 | $144,269 | $119,205 |
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average compensation & benefits specialist salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The average compensation & benefits specialist salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $75,691 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Santa Cruz-Watsonville at rank #213 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level compensation & benefits specialists earn in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Entry-level compensation & benefits specialists (Level I) in Santa Cruz-Watsonville earn $59,467 per year. Level II (early career) earns $67,538, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Santa Cruz-Watsonville compare to the national average for compensation & benefits specialist salaries?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #213 of 530 U.S. metro areas for compensation & benefits specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $9,211 above the national average. The national average compensation & benefits specialist salary is $73,722, while Santa Cruz-Watsonville workers average $75,691 — a difference of +3% 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.