Compensation & Benefits Specialist Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Manages employee pay structures, benefits programs, and job classification systems.
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara ranks #17 of 530 U.S. metro areas for compensation & benefits specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $13,288 above the national average.
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $63,544 | $50,256 | +$13,288 | +26.4% |
| Level II | $78,770 | $61,931 | +$16,839 | +27.2% |
| Level III (Mid) | $93,995 | $73,605 | +$20,390 | +27.7% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $109,221 | $85,280 | +$23,941 | +28.1% |
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 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $63,190 | $109,221 | $94,037 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average compensation & benefits specialist salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The average compensation & benefits specialist salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is $94,141 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Santa Maria-Santa Barbara at rank #17 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level compensation & benefits specialists earn in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
Entry-level compensation & benefits specialists (Level I) in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara earn $63,544 per year. Level II (early career) earns $78,770, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Santa Maria-Santa Barbara compare to the national average for compensation & benefits specialist salaries?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara ranks #17 of 530 U.S. metro areas for compensation & benefits specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $13,288 above the national average. The national average compensation & benefits specialist salary is $73,722, while Santa Maria-Santa Barbara workers average $94,141 — a difference of +28% 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.