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 April 2025). Sign up here for survey updates or watch our informational webinar to find tips for completing the survey.
My organization did not receive a copy of the survey instrument. Who can I reach out to request one?
On April 8th the 2025 survey instrument was distributed to designated contacts at more than 600 public pensions across the U.S. If you did not receive a copy but are interested in participating, please reach out to research@ncpers.org.
When is the due date to complete the survey?
The due date is June 3, 2025.
Where do I submit my completed data collection file?
Please submit the file via email to compsurveys@cbiz.com.
Which positions are included in the 2025 survey?
There are 90 positions included in this year’s survey. A PDF with the list of position titles and job summaries is available here.
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). Having an accurate FTE % allows us to annualize pay data for part-time employees.
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.
What does “direct investment” mean as it relates to investment teams?
Direct investment refers to the approach where capital is invested directly by internal staff into companies, projects, or assets rather than external, third-party managers.
What is meant by threshold, target and maximum bonus %?
Threshold is the minimum level of performance that must be achieved before an incentive can be earned, below which the bonus goes to zero. Target is the expected level of achievement that is achievable and meaningful. If the target isn’t explicitly set, list as the average of threshold and maximum. Maximum is the payout level that cannot be exceeded.
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 (nonmember rate). 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?
Established in 1941, the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) is the largest trade association working on behalf of public sector retirement systems. Organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a diverse membership that includes 500 plans, plan sponsors, and stakeholders who collectively oversee approximately $6 trillion in retirement funds, NCPERS works to protect and expand pension access through essential education, innovative research, and unwavering advocacy. From the largest statewide systems to the smallest local funds, NCPERS members make possible the work to safeguard the retirement security of more than 20 million teachers, police, firefighters, and other public servants.