A magnetic head having an air bearing surface is used to reduce thermal pole tip protrusion and recession. The magnetic head includes a substrate and a data transducer positioned upon the substrate adjacent the air bearing surface. The data transducer is comprised of a plurality of metallic layers. A compensation structure is positioned adjacent to at least one of the plurality of metallic layers, is exposed at the air bearing surface or recessed at the ABS and extends substantially perpendicular from the air bearing surface. The compensation structure is formed of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion less than a coefficient of thermal expansion of a material forming the substrate.