Public Pension Compensation Survey: FAQs
The NCPERS-CBIZ Public Pension Compensation Survey is conducted on an annual basis to gather in-depth salary and bonus data for the most common positions found at public pensions. Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions (last updated June 2024).
My organization did not receive a copy of the survey instrument. Who can I reach out to request one?
Please reach out to compsurveys@cbiz.com. Please note: The 2024 Public Pension Compensation Survey was distributed on May 7th.
When is the due date to complete the survey?
Survey responses are due on July 2nd, 2024.
Where do I submit my completed data collection file?
Please submit the file via email to compsurveys@cbiz.com.
Do I report average salaries per position or each employee’s salary information?
Please report each employee's individual salary information, rather than the average. Employee by employee information should be listed on the “DCF4 – Compensation Data” tab of the survey spreadsheet.
What if I don’t find a survey match in the job list?
List the employee information without a benchmark job code.
What does “FTE %” stand for?
Full-time equivalency percentage (EX: 20 hours worked per week out of a 40 hour full-time schedule would equal 50% FTE).
What if I don’t know what the annual salary increase budget percent will be for the next salary review?
An educated guess or an educated guess range is sufficient.
Will my organization’s response information and data remain confidential?
Yes.
Will I receive a free copy of the results in return for our participation?
Yes.
When will the survey results be sent to the participants?
Results will be made available in the fall.
If my organization does not participate, will the survey be available for purchase?
Yes, funds that choose not to participate may purchase the survey for $2,500. The survey results will be made available at no cost to participants.
If I have additional questions, who should I reach out to?
Please reach out to compsurveys@cbiz.com.
Why did NCPERS and CBIZ partner to produce the Public Pension Compensation Survey?
With both NCPERS and CBIZ producing annual public pension compensation surveys, we decided to combine our resources to better serve the public pension community. With this partnership, we’ll be able to provide even more thorough data to your fund while reducing the number of surveys you’re asked to complete.
Who is CBIZ?
CBIZ is one of the nation’s leading providers of professional advisory services. Their Talent & Compensation Solutions division has deep roots working with public pension funds both through compensation consulting and executive retained search (as EFL Associates). The Compensation Consulting team has a track record of working with public pension funds to benchmark market-competitive compensation and design compensation programs that are aligned with the compensation philosophy and help achieve total rewards goals and objectives. EFL Associates has successfully completed more public pension leadership and investment management searches than any firm in the country.
Who is NCPERS?
The National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) works to promote and protect pensions by focusing on advocacy, research, and education for the benefit of public sector pension stakeholders. With approximately 500 plans, plan sponsors, and other stakeholder members throughout the United States and Canada, NCPERS is the largest trade association for public pensions. Organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, NCPERS is a unique network of trustees, administrators, public officials, and investment professionals who collectively oversee approximately $4 trillion in retirement funds.