Total Compensation

Meaning & Definition

Total Compensation

The term total compensation is used to describe all forms of monetary payments to an employee. For existing employees, this can include both base pay as well as incentives. For newly-hired employees, the total compensation in the year hired may also include a sign-on bonus.

Total Compensation = Base Salary + Incentive Compensation

Total compensation can also be used to describe the total value an organization offers employees. For example, this might include job perks that have a monetary value, as well as the benefits provided by the employer. Vacation time, holiday pay, health insurance, dental plans, life insurance, and tuition reimbursement plans are all benefits that can be considered part of an employee's total compensation package.

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