In the high-stakes race to attract and retain hourly talent, most compensation teams are still relying on lagging market surveys and guesswork. Compa—a compensation intelligence startup already known for its real-time data network—is flipping that model with the launch of Compa Frontline, a new product that delivers zip-code level pay insights for hourly workers.
The First Real-Time Pay Tool Built for Hourly Roles
Unlike traditional comp platforms built around salaried roles and annual surveys, Compa Frontline is purpose-built for the nuances of hourly work—location-based variation, shift premiums, travel stipends, and more. The platform pulls verified compensation data directly from HCM systems, not spreadsheets, giving comp leaders live access to what’s actually being paid in the market.
“Frontline workers make up a massive portion of our economy, yet compensation teams have never had access to market data that accurately reflects market shifts,” said Charlie Franklin, co-founder and CEO of Compa. “With Frontline, comp teams get the local, real-time insights they need to make smart, competitive pay decisions—down to the street level.”
Precision That Goes Beyond Zip Codes
Early users like Meijer and Ulta Beauty are already seeing the value of this hyper-localized approach.
“The big unlock for us is access to verified, up-to-date compensation data at the local level—drilling down to the store or zip code to understand competitive rates in specific geographies,” said Jordan Clark, Director of HR Operations and Analytics at Meijer.
“Currently comp practitioners are flying blind,” added Mike Savage, VP of Total Rewards at Ulta. “Compa allows our team to get more granular and understand micro-markets.”
What Compa Frontline Delivers
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Zip-code-level market data for storefronts, warehouses, fulfillment centers, and field teams
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Real-time benchmarks for hourly pay, incentives, seasonal premiums, and more
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Custom pay element tracking including hazard pay, bridge tolls, holiday bonuses, and regional bonuses
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Direct HCM system integration, eliminating manual survey delays and outdated reports
Why It Matters Now
Between inflation, changing labor laws, and fierce competition in industries like retail, logistics, and healthcare, hourly compensation has never been more dynamic. Yet until now, comp teams have lacked tools that match the speed and specificity of market shifts.
Compa Frontline addresses this blind spot, giving enterprises the intelligence to respond to competitive pressure with localized, data-driven pay decisions—often within days instead of months. That agility is key when you’re managing turnover, opening new locations, or adjusting to new wage laws in different municipalities.
A Strategic Advantage in a Tight Labor Market
As companies continue to feel pressure to recruit and retain frontline talent—from delivery drivers and warehouse staff to retail associates—products like Compa Frontline are emerging as essential infrastructure. It’s no longer enough to set pay once a year and hope for the best. Organizations need real-time visibility into labor markets that can shift weekly.
Frontline also complements Compa’s broader compensation intelligence platform, which provides benchmarks and decision support for salaried and tech roles, making it a strong choice for companies that need to align comp strategy across all levels of their workforce.
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