Top corporate compensation and benefits executives earn a median total cash compensation of $136,000, according to a survey.

The median annual total cash compensation, including salary and bonus, for top corporate benefits executives without compensation responsibilities is $124,700, the survey shows.

The 1998 Human Resource Management Compensation Survey was compiled by New York-based William M. Mercer Inc. in conjunction with the Society for Human Resource Management in Alexandria, Va.

The survey is among the benefit consultant's 100-plus compensation reports on salaried positions by job function, industry and geographic area.

Mercer does not offer comparisons to previous years because the survey population is not constant from year to year, a spokes-man said.

The data reflect 1,011 employers in the private sector, government, education and non-profit arenas, representing 24,127 employees.

Total cash compensation varies among the 18 industry categories analyzed in the survey.

To cite several examples: the median for top corporate compensation and benefits executives in the banking and financial services industry is $165,000; for those holding that position in the hospitality, media and entertainment group, the median is $156,400.

At the lower end of the range for this position, the median is $95,000 in professional services and $78,600 in transportation.

Top corporate benefits executives in durable goods manufacturing have a median total cash compensation of $151,700, while those in non-durable goods

manufacturing have a medi-an cash compensation of $134,500.

At the lower end of the range for this position, the median is $105,000 in professional services and $91,800 in the energy, mining and petroleum group.

The median 1998 total cash compensation for other benefits positions are:

* International compensation and benefits manager: $92,700.

An individual in this position, according to the report, develops, implements and administers compensation and benefits programs for international employees, including primarily expatriates and third-country nationals, and may be responsible for local nationals.

* Employee benefits manager: $83,000

* Compensation and benefits manager: $81,700

* Work and family program manager: $79,200

* Employee assistance program manager: $79,100

* Wellness program manager: $56,000

* Benefits planning analyst: $54,000

* Benefits administrator: $40,700.

The 1998 Human Resource Management Compensation Survey is available for $700, or $400 for organizations that participated in the survey, by calling 800-333-3070.