Compensation Analyst
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Description
The Compensation Analyst supports the design, analysis, and administration of compensation programs that attract, retain, and reward talent in alignment with Sargent & Lundy’s business and people strategies. Leveraging market data and internal analytics, this role conducts market pricing, evaluates job structures, and supports cycles such as merit and promotions. Payfactors expertise will be used to provide data-driven recommendations and ensure pay practices are equitable, competitive, and compliant. Reporting to the Total Rewards manager, this position will play a critical role in the administration of S&L’s compensation programs.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis of salary trends, pay practices, and job classifications to inform compensation strategies; perform market pricing of new and existing roles using Payfactors.
- Collaborate with HR and management to design and implement compensation programs that align with business objectives and enhance employee motivation.
- Prepare compensation modeling and analytics for annual and off-cycle processes (merit, promotions, adjustments, offers); develop templates and dashboards as needed.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local compensation laws and regulations.
- Research and respond to employee, HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition, and business leader inquiries regarding compensation policies and procedures, ensuring clarity and transparency.
- Maintain data integrity across compensation systems and tools; troubleshoot data issues, support process documentation, and change management for compensation programs and tools.
- Participate in compensation surveys and manage survey job matches to ensure high-quality, reliable submissions that enable effective evaluation of the organization’s pay and salary structures against competitors.
Work Environment:
- This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent in office (3) and working remote from home (2).
- Mix of a standard office environment utilizing standard office equipment.
- Willingness to travel (less than 10%) and occasionally work overtime.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Qualifications:
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and modeling skills; proficiency with Excel (e.g., LOOKUPs, pivot tables, formulas) and data visualization basics.
- Hands-on experience with Payfactors for market pricing, survey management, and job architecture tasks.
- Familiarity with compensation concepts: market pricing, salary structures, range penetration, compa-ratio, merit modeling, internal equity, and FLSA.
- Ability to translate data insights into practical, business-ready recommendations with clear narratives.
- Excellent communication and partnership skills with HR and business stakeholders; strong confidentiality and professional judgment.
- 2–3 years of professional experience in a compensation analysis role in either a consulting or professional services environment.
- Demonstrated experience with Payfactors for market pricing and survey participation.
- Prior support for annual compensation cycles (merit, promotions) and offer analysis preferred with an understanding of employee evaluation processes and their impact on compensation.
Valued but not required skills:
- Experience with HRIS/reporting (e.g., Workday, SAP, Oracle, UKG) preferred; experience with survey vendors (Payfactors/Radford/WTW/ Mercer) a plus.
- Experience applying AI solutions to solve process and business issues.
- International compensation experience, preferred but not required
Education:
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
- 4 years of direct work experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree is acceptable.
- Preferred but not required: Professional certifications (e.g., CCP, PHR, SHRM-CP).
- Relevant internships or co-op experiences in compensation or HR will be considered.
Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range
$61,980.00 - $93,110.00Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
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Frequently asked questions
In Chicago, certifications like CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or SHRM-CP are highly regarded for Compensation Analysts. They demonstrate mastery in compensation strategies and compliance, often giving candidates an edge with employers like Sargent & Lundy who value professional credentials alongside practical experience.
Compensation Analysts in Chicago typically earn between $61,980 and $93,110 annually, aligning closely with the city’s living costs and market demand. This range is competitive relative to national figures, reflecting Chicago’s robust corporate sector and the specialized skills required for roles like those at Sargent & Lundy.
Payfactors can present data integration and survey job matching complexities, requiring thorough attention to data accuracy. Analysts often troubleshoot discrepancies in market pricing inputs or survey participation, ensuring compensation recommendations remain equitable and compliant within dynamic pay structures.
Chicago’s finance and consulting sectors show steady demand for Compensation Analysts skilled in market pricing and salary modeling. Candidates with hybrid work flexibility and proficiency in tools like Payfactors tend to attract employers focused on data-driven compensation strategies amid evolving regulatory landscapes.
At Sargent & Lundy, Compensation Analysts engage deeply with market data analytics, merit cycle support, and pay equity assessments, often collaborating cross-functionally with HR and business leaders. This blend of strategic input and operational execution sets it apart from roles with narrower compensation scopes.
Sargent & Lundy leverages compensation analytics to align pay structures with business goals, ensuring competitive and equitable rewards. Their use of data-driven insights from tools like Payfactors helps tailor merit and promotion cycles that motivate employees and support long-term retention.
Beyond foundational knowledge, mastering advanced Excel techniques, gaining proficiency with compensation software like Payfactors, and understanding regulatory compliance are critical. Additionally, strong communication skills to translate analytics into actionable business strategies enhance career progression.
Chicago’s traffic patterns and public transit offer mixed commuting experiences. Roles like the Compensation Analyst at Sargent & Lundy benefit from hybrid schedules, balancing in-office days with remote work, which reduces commute stress and supports productivity.
Chicago offers several entry-level compensation analyst positions within consulting and professional services firms, often requiring 1–3 years of analytical experience. Internships and co-op roles enhance readiness, with employers valuing familiarity with compensation concepts and basic data tools.
Illinois-specific wage laws and pay equity statutes require Compensation Analysts at Sargent & Lundy to maintain rigorous compliance monitoring. Ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations involves continuous updates to compensation policies and transparent communication with stakeholders.