Total Rewards Manager in Hawaii Career Overview

As a Total Rewards Manager, you play a vital role in shaping the employee experience within an organization. Your primary responsibility is to design and manage compensation and benefits programs that attract, retain, and motivate employees. The focus of your work lies in creating a framework that balances organizational goals with employee satisfaction.

  • You oversee various components of employee compensation, including base pay, bonuses, and incentives.
  • You manage benefits programs such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
  • An important aspect of your role involves ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations regarding employee compensation and benefits.
  • You analyze market trends and employee feedback to continuously improve rewards programs, ensuring they remain competitive and equitable.
  • You collaborate with HR, finance, and executive leadership to align rewards strategies with business objectives.
  • Your insights into employee needs and market dynamics help influence organizational culture, making it critical for you to stay informed about industry developments and best practices.

Your contribution directly impacts employee engagement and organizational performance, making you an essential part of the HR team. By effectively managing total rewards, you help foster a motivated workforce that can drive the success of the business.

Total Rewards Manager Salary in Hawaii

Annual Median: $93,070
Hourly Median: $44.75

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Total Rewards Manager in Hawaii

To become a Total Rewards Manager, you will need to pursue relevant educational qualifications and training. Consider the following degree programs that will provide you with the foundational knowledge necessary for this role:

  • Business Administration and Management
    This degree covers essential business principles, including finance, marketing, and operational management.

  • Business Administration
    A general focus on business operations equips you with skills in strategic planning, organizational behavior, and decision-making processes.

  • Human Resources Management and Services
    This program focuses specifically on HR practices, including employee relations, compensation strategies, and benefits management.

  • Human Resources Management and Personnel Administration
    You will learn about managing workforce dynamics, regulatory compliance, and the development of HR policies and programs.

  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
    This degree focuses on analytical and statistical methods pertinent to business decision-making, often integral in assessing total rewards programs.

While a bachelor’s degree may suffice for entry-level positions, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree or relevant certifications for advanced roles. Additionally, pursuing specific coursework or certifications in compensation management and benefits analysis is beneficial.

Best Schools to become a Total Rewards Manager in Hawaii 2024

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

In-State Tuition:$12,036
Out-of-State Tuition:$12,036
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:20%
Total Enrollment:24,808

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$16,407
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,407
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:101,816

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

In-State Tuition:$15,467
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,467
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:66%
Total Enrollment:96,709
Total Rewards Manager Job Description:
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

Total Rewards Manager Required Skills and Competencies in Hawaii

  • Analytical Skills: You need to interpret complex data and metrics related to compensation and benefits. This includes evaluating market trends and assessing the effectiveness of total rewards programs.

  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities are essential. You will be responsible for articulating total rewards strategies to stakeholders at all levels and addressing employee inquiries.

  • Project Management: Overseeing multiple initiatives requires exceptional organizational skills. You must manage timelines, coordinate activities, and ensure project deliverables meet quality standards.

  • Negotiation Skills: You will often negotiate benefit packages and compensation agreements with vendors and partners to ensure the best offerings for your organization.

  • Knowledge of Labor Laws: Familiarity with employment laws and regulations in Hawaii is critical. You must ensure that all total rewards programs comply with legal standards and ethical practices.

  • Attention to Detail: You must carefully review compensation plans and benefits data to accurately reflect your organization’s offerings and avoid costly errors.

  • Interpersonal Skills: Building relationships with stakeholders, such as HR partners, executives, and employees, is vital for effectively implementing total rewards strategies.

  • Strategic Thinking: You should be able to align total rewards initiatives with organizational goals, anticipating future trends and needs in employee compensation and benefits.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with HR software and analytics tools is important. You will utilize these tools to manage and analyze data related to total rewards programs.

  • Creativity and Innovation: Developing competitive and appealing compensation packages may require outside-the-box thinking to attract and retain top talent in Hawaii's specific market.

  • Change Management: You will need the ability to guide organizations through transitions in total rewards programs, ensuring both leaders and employees understand and adapt to new initiatives.

Job Duties for Total Rewards Managers

  • Design, evaluate, and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.

  • Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits, compensation, and personnel policies.

  • Fulfill all reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

Technologies and Skills Used by Total Rewards Managers

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Workday software

Human resources software

  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • Vantage Point Software HRA

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Reading work related information

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Total Rewards Manager in Hawaii

The job market for Total Rewards Managers in Hawaii is experiencing dynamic changes influenced by the unique economic landscape of the islands. Here’s what you need to know about the current demand, growth potential, and geographical hotspots for this role.

  • Demand:

    • There is a steady demand for Total Rewards Managers as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of comprehensive benefits packages and compensation strategies in attracting and retaining top talent.
    • Industries such as tourism, healthcare, and technology are particularly in need of specialized professionals to design and implement effective total rewards programs.
  • Growth Potential:

    • The role of Total Rewards Manager is evolving, primarily due to advancements in technology and shifts in employee expectations, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
    • Companies are placing greater emphasis on employee well-being, ensuring that the need for innovative benefits such as wellness programs and flexible work arrangements are integrated into total rewards strategies.
    • As organizations seek to stay competitive, there is potential for career advancement within this field, with opportunities for Total Rewards Managers to move into higher-level managerial roles or shift into broader human resources leadership positions.
  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Honolulu, as the largest city and economic center of Hawaii, hosts many corporations, government entities, and service industry businesses that require skilled Total Rewards Managers.
    • Other areas like Hilo and Lihue are also developing as potential locations for Total Rewards opportunities, especially as local businesses expand and seek to enhance their employee offerings.
    • The growth of remote work options is enabling companies in Hawaii to access a broader talent pool, thus increasing the demand for Total Rewards expertise beyond traditional locations.

By understanding the job market landscape and taking advantage of the growth potential in Hawaii, you can position yourself effectively as a candidate for Total Rewards Manager positions.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Total Rewards Manager in Hawaii

  • HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
    Explore certification programs and resources specific to HR professionals, including those interested in total rewards.
    HRCI Official Website

  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
    Access a wealth of information about HR practices, including compensation and benefits strategies relevant to Total Rewards Managers.
    SHRM Official Website

  • WorldatWork
    A leading organization in total rewards, providing research, webinars, and certification programs related to compensation and benefits management.
    WorldatWork Official Website

  • Compensation and Benefits Resources on Harvard Business Review
    Find articles and research on compensation strategy and employee benefits management.
    Harvard Business Review

  • Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)
    Offers research and resources related to workplace psychology, including employee motivation and rewards systems.
    SIOP Official Website

  • LinkedIn Learning
    Provides a range of courses on HR management, total rewards, and employee engagement that can enhance your skills.
    LinkedIn Learning

  • PayScale
    A comprehensive resource for salary data, benefits benchmarking, and compensation management tools.
    PayScale Official Website

  • Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI)
    Research and analysis on trends in employee benefits, including retirement and health benefits.
    EBRI Official Website

  • National Association of Professional Employers Organizations (NAPEO)
    Offers resources on the role of Total Rewards Managers within Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs).
    NAPEO Official Website

  • Local Hawaii HR Groups and Networks
    Join local HR organizations or meetups, such as the Hawaii Human Resources Management Association (HHRMA), for networking and professional development.
    HHRMA Official Website

These resources will support your continuous learning and professional development as a Total Rewards Manager in Hawaii.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Total Rewards Manager in Hawaii

  • What is the role of a Total Rewards Manager?
    A Total Rewards Manager is responsible for designing and managing an organization’s compensation and benefits programs. This includes salary structures, bonuses, health benefits, retirement plans, and other employee incentives to attract and retain talent.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Total Rewards Manager?
    Typically, a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field is required. Many employers also look for certification, such as Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP).

  • What skills are important for a Total Rewards Manager?
    Key skills include analytical thinking, strong communication skills, proficiency in data analysis, knowledge of labor laws and regulations, and project management abilities. Emotional intelligence and strategic planning are also valuable.

  • What experience is needed to pursue this career?
    Experience in human resources or benefits administration is typically required. Many employers look for candidates with 5-7 years of relevant experience, including roles focused on compensation analysis or benefits management.

  • What is the typical salary range for a Total Rewards Manager in Hawaii?
    Salary can vary based on experience, industry, and company size, but a Total Rewards Manager in Hawaii typically earns between $90,000 and $130,000 annually.

  • Is remote work an option for Total Rewards Managers?
    Many companies offer flexible work arrangements, including remote work. However, this can depend on the company culture and specific job requirements, especially if the role involves collaboration with teams or departments.

  • What are the career advancement opportunities for a Total Rewards Manager?
    Advancement opportunities may include senior roles such as Director of Total Rewards, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), or other executive positions within human resources. Enhanced certifications and further education can help in climbing the career ladder.

  • How does the cost of living in Hawaii affect salaries in this field?
    Hawaii has a high cost of living, which often results in higher salaries to offset these expenses. Employers may adjust compensation packages accordingly to attract talent in the state.

  • What are some common challenges faced by Total Rewards Managers?
    Challenges include balancing budget constraints with competitive pay, staying compliant with changing regulations, managing employee expectations, and effectively communicating the value of benefits to employees.

  • What trends are currently shaping the total rewards landscape?
    Trends include a focus on wellness initiatives, flexible work arrangements, and personalized benefits packages. Additionally, there is an increasing emphasis on equity and inclusion within compensation structures.