Workers Compensation & Leave Manager

Manage workers compensation claims, disability leave programs, and return-to-work processes to protect employee health and organizational financial interests. Coordinate with insurance carriers, medical providers, and legal counsel on complex claims, manage FMLA and ADA accommodation processes, and develop return-to-work programs. Analyze workers compensation loss trends, develop safety and prevention programs, and ensure compliance with state workers compensation laws.

Median salary: $95,000. Projected growth to 2033: 6% (as fast as average) - steady demand across all industries. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $95,000
Entry-level: $60,000 - $78,000
Senior: $140,000+
Growth by 2033: 6% (as fast as average) - steady demand across all industries
Demand: Stable
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Moderate

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 50% Team / 50% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Bachelor's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 3-5 years
Years to senior: 7-10 years
Career switching: Moderate
Typical student debt: $20,000 - $45,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

Workers Compensation Claims Management
FMLA & ADA Leave Administration
Return-to-Work Program Design
State Workers Compensation Law Compliance
Insurance Carrier & TPA Management
Disability Management & Accommodation Process

Soft skills

Regulatory Knowledge
Attention to Detail
Empathy
Written Communication
Stakeholder Engagement

Technical complexity: Moderate

Typical career path

HR Coordinator
Leave Specialist
Workers Comp & Leave Manager
Director of Benefits & Leave

Future outlook

Automation risk: Low
AI disruption risk: Low
Salary growth potential: High - 130% growth from entry to senior

How people feel about it

Overall satisfaction: 7/10
Meaning: 7.2/10
Work-life balance: 7.5/10