Legal

Compliance Officer Salary

Compliance officers ensure organizations adhere to legal standards and regulatory requirements.

Median Salary
$75,060
Mean Salary
$82,100
Total Employed
346,300
Job Growth
+6%

Compliance Officer Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level compliance officers earn around $48,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $78,000. Senior-level compliance officers can earn $125,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for compliance officers varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $43,000, while the top 10% earn $131,000.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $43,000
25th Percentile $56,000
50th Percentile (Median) $75,060
75th Percentile $102,000
90th Percentile $131,000

Compliance Officer Salary by State

Compliance Officer salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $127,602, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $62,300.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $127,602 Details →
#2 California $103,583 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $101,331 Details →
#4 Alaska $93,074 Details →
#5 New York $91,573 Details →
#6 New Jersey $86,319 Details →
#7 Washington $86,319 Details →
#8 Connecticut $84,067 Details →
#9 Maryland $82,566 Details →
#10 Oregon $82,566 Details →
#11 Colorado $78,813 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $78,813 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $78,813 Details →
#14 Virginia $78,062 Details →
#15 Delaware $75,811 Details →
#16 Vermont $75,811 Details →
#17 Florida $73,559 Details →
#18 Maine $73,559 Details →
#19 Arizona $72,808 Details →
#20 Minnesota $72,808 Details →
#21 Nevada $72,808 Details →
#22 Utah $72,808 Details →
#23 Pennsylvania $72,058 Details →
#24 Illinois $71,307 Details →
#25 Montana $71,307 Details →
#26 Idaho $70,556 Details →
#27 Georgia $69,806 Details →
#28 New Mexico $69,806 Details →
#29 North Carolina $69,055 Details →
#30 Texas $69,055 Details →
#31 Wisconsin $69,055 Details →
#32 Wyoming $69,055 Details →
#33 Louisiana $68,305 Details →
#34 Indiana $67,554 Details →
#35 Michigan $67,554 Details →
#36 Nebraska $67,554 Details →
#37 North Dakota $67,554 Details →
#38 Ohio $67,554 Details →
#39 Iowa $66,803 Details →
#40 South Carolina $66,803 Details →
#41 Tennessee $66,803 Details →
#42 Missouri $66,053 Details →
#43 South Dakota $66,053 Details →
#44 Alabama $65,302 Details →
#45 Kansas $65,302 Details →
#46 Kentucky $65,302 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $64,552 Details →
#48 Arkansas $63,050 Details →
#49 West Virginia $63,050 Details →
#50 Mississippi $62,300 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Develop compliance programs
  • ● Monitor regulatory adherence
  • ● Conduct internal audits
  • ● Investigate violations
  • ● Train employees on regulations

Top Skills

Regulatory Knowledge Risk Assessment Auditing Policy Development Ethics Communication

Education Required

Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook

Faster than average — projected 6% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Compliance Officer Salaries

How much does a Compliance Officer make per year? ▼
The median compliance officer salary in the United States is $75,060 per year. Entry-level positions start around $48,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $125,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $82,100.
How much does a Compliance Officer make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $75,060 per year, a compliance officer earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for compliance officers? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for compliance officers, with a median salary of $127,602. Other top-paying states include California ($103,583) and Massachusetts ($101,331).
What education do you need to become a compliance officer? ▼
Most compliance officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Regulatory Knowledge, Risk Assessment, Auditing, Policy Development. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for compliance officers? ▼
Employment for compliance officers is projected to grow 6% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 346,300 compliance officers employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level compliance officer make? ▼
An entry-level compliance officer with 0-2 years of experience earns around $48,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $78,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $43,000, while the top 10% earn $131,000.