Legal Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Compliance Officer Salary in Kentucky

The median compliance officer salary in Kentucky is $65,302 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,060.

Median Salary
$65,302
vs National
$-9,758
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Compliance Officer Salary Overview in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for compliance officer compensation. Compliance Officer salaries in Kentucky are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $65,302 per year, compliance officers in Kentucky earn $9,758 less than the national median of $75,060.

A key advantage of working in Kentucky is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $65,302 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $75,060 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kentucky is significant: compliance officers at the 10th percentile earn $37,410, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $113,970 — a $76,560 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kentucky for this role is Lexington, where the median reaches $69,806.

Nationally, compliance officer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for compliance officers across the country.

Compliance Officer Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level compliance officer earns around $41,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,750 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,860
$-10,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,750
$-16,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $37,410
25th Percentile $48,720
Median (50th) $65,302
75th Percentile $88,740
90th Percentile $113,970

Compliance Officer Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for compliance officers in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Compliance Officer in Kentucky

Education

Most compliance officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Regulatory KnowledgeRisk AssessmentAuditingPolicy DevelopmentEthicsCommunication

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, compliance officer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Compliance Officer Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Compliance Officer make in Kentucky? ▼
The median compliance officer salary in Kentucky is $65,302 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,060. Salaries range from $37,410 (10th percentile) to $113,970 (90th percentile).
How much does a Compliance Officer make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,302, a compliance officer in Kentucky earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for compliance officers? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for compliance officer pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level compliance officers earn $41,760, while senior professionals earn $108,750.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for compliance officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for compliance officers is Hawaii at $127,602. Kentucky's median of $65,302 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($65,302) and Kansas ($65,302).
What is the entry-level compliance officer salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level compliance officer in Kentucky earns approximately $41,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,860. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $108,750.
What city in Kentucky pays compliance officers the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for compliance officers, with a median salary of $69,806. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.