Compensation Advisory Studio

Geo Policy Simulation Map

Design cost-of-labor-based geographic zones and remote-worker pay policy. Simulate zone structures, review population distribution and cost factors, and understand the impact on pay and employee experience before you implement.

What This Analysis Does

Creates cost-of-labor-based geographic zones anchored to COL indexes and applies zone-specific pay multipliers to the national salary structure.

Required Data
  • Employee residency / work location
  • BLS cost-of-labor indexes
  • Vendor COL indexes (e.g., ERI, Mercer)
  • Remote-work policy alignment
Key Outputs
  • Per-zone COL index & payment factor
  • Employee & payroll distribution by zone
  • Cost impact & annual savings estimate
  • Headcount & policy notes by zone
Next Recommended Action

Model the financial impact of this geo-zones scenario in Cost Scenarios to see annual savings and investment.

Zones
4
Defined geographic zones
Total Population
480
Total employees
Zone 1 Share
30%
142 employees
Highest Factor
1.30x
Zone 1 – Tier 1
Geo Policy Simulation

Cost-of-Labor Zones · United States

P25P50P75
1324SeattleSan FranciscoLos AngelesDenverPhoenixAustinAtlantaRaleighChicagoBostonNew YorkWashington DCPhiladelphiaMiamiHoustonNew Orleans
Tier 1Mid MetroMajor MetroStandard
Selected Zone
Zone 1 — Tier 1
San Francisco · NYC · Seattle
Advisor Takeaway

The 4-zone structure balances cost optimization with market competitiveness. Zone 1 captures the highest COL markets (30% of employees) where premiums are necessary to remain competitive. Zone 4 provides a clear default for remote workers while maintaining flexibility for exceptions.

Key Questions to Consider
  • Are the zone definitions aligned with business talent markets?
  • Is the premium for Zone 1 sufficient to attract and retain critical talent?
  • Should we create sub-zones or carve-outs for specific markets?
  • How will we manage employee moves between zones?
Data Caveats

Cost-of-labor indexes vary 5-15% across vendors. Document the source, methodology, and effective date in the policy memo.

Suggested Next Module
Cost Scenarios

Model annual savings and investment impacts of this geo-zones scenario.

Open Cost Scenarios
Advisor Insights
AI
Cost Impact (Annual)
Estimated Savings
$1.64M
3.1% of payroll spend
Employee Relations Risk
MediumContinue to monitor communications and internal equity.
Remote Policy Treatment

Remote workers default to Zone 4 (Standard) unless residency is confirmed in a higher-cost zone.

About This Scenario
  • 4 zone structure with cost-of-labor index and payment factors.
  • Based on current population and remote policy assumptions.
Last updated May 18, 2025
Next Step
Run the Financial Impact

Model this geo-zones scenario in Cost Scenarios to quantify savings, investment, and trade-offs.

Go to Cost Scenarios