How Do I Become a Compensation Administrator?

Compensation administrators are in charge of the management coordination of compensation programs for workers within a company. The compensation administrator also serves as the liaison between company management and staff. In order to become a compensation administrator, you'll need a bachelor's degree at least. You'll also have to obtain experience working with compensation structures and guidelines within a company. This experience can be obtained as an entry level human resource professional or intern in a compensation administration office.

In addition to obtaining an undergraduate or graduate degree, an internship or part-time job in human resource management may help you to gain the practical experience needed to enter the field. Some compensation administrators pursue voluntary certification in payroll administration or other complimentary topics in order to remain competitive in the field. Although the outlook remains favorable for individuals in human resource professions, having additional credentials and training will make you a more competitive candidate.

In order to become a compensation administrator, you must possess good communication skills. The information that you will be dealing with can often be sensitive and personal in nature, and you must respect the privacy of employees as well as the company. There may be times when you have to deliver sensitive or even disheartening information to staff, and effective and thoughtful communication will be useful in your role as a human resource professional. You should also possess contract negotiation skills and be able to properly address the needs of the company and employees.

Compensation administrators are vital members of the human resource team in a company. As the administrator, you may be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a company's payroll and payment systems. In order to become a compensation administrator, you have to have the skills required to research commissions and pay scales for positions within the company you work for. You may also be expected to consult surveys and reports in order to identify appropriate payment scales. Determining timelines for employee compensation reviews and assisting managers with employee evaluations may be included in your role as a compensation administrator.

A career in compensation administration is a good choice for individuals with a strong desire to work in human resources and develop pay structures for companies and organizations. To become a compensation administrator, you must complete a relevant degree program where you have had the ability to learn and improve analytical thinking skills. You must also possess interpersonal skills that allow you to interact with a variety of employees and other professionals.