Legal San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Compliance Officer Salary in San Diego, California

The median compliance officer salary in San Diego, CA is $106,585 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$106,585
vs State Avg
+$3,002
vs National
+$31,525
Cost of Living
142%

Compliance Officer Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median compliance officer salary of $106,585, which is $3,002 above the California state average of $103,583. Compared to the national median of $75,060, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $106,585 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $75,060. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for compliance officers in San Diego spans from $61,060 at the 10th percentile to $186,020 at the 90th percentile — a $124,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,160, while senior compliance officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $177,500. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Compliance Officer Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level compliance officer earns around $68,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $177,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,160
+$20,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,760
+$32,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$177,500
+$52,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $61,060
25th Percentile $79,520
Median (50th) $106,585
75th Percentile $144,840
90th Percentile $186,020

Compliance Officer Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Compliance Officer in San Diego

Education

Most compliance officer positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Regulatory KnowledgeRisk AssessmentAuditingPolicy DevelopmentEthicsCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, compliance officer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Compliance Officer Jobs in San Diego

Browse open compliance officer positions in San Diego, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Compliance Officer Salary in San Diego

How much does a Compliance Officer make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median compliance officer salary in San Diego, California is $106,585 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $75,060. Salaries range from $61,060 (10th percentile) to $186,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Compliance Officer make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $106,585, a compliance officer in San Diego earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for compliance officer pay? ▼
San Diego's median compliance officer salary of $106,585 is 2.9% above the California state average of $103,583. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a compliance officer salary of $106,585 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a compliance officer in San Diego? ▼
Most compliance officer positions in San Diego require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Regulatory Knowledge, Risk Assessment, Auditing, Policy Development. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.