Legal Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Compliance Officer Salary in Houston, Texas

The median compliance officer salary in Houston, TX is $72,058 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$72,058
vs State Avg
+$3,003
vs National
$-3,002
Cost of Living
96%

Compliance Officer Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median compliance officer salary of $72,058, which is $3,003 above the Texas state average of $69,055. Compared to the national median of $75,060, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for compliance officers in Houston spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $125,760 at the 90th percentile — a $84,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,080, while senior compliance officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,000. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Compliance Officer Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level compliance officer earns around $46,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,080
$-1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,880
$-3,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,000
$-5,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $53,760
Median (50th) $72,058
75th Percentile $97,920
90th Percentile $125,760

Compliance Officer Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$78,813
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$75,060
Pop. 1,304,379
Fort Worth, TX
$69,055
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$66,053
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Compliance Officer in Houston

Education

Most compliance officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Houston and the surrounding Texas 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 Houston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Compliance Officer Jobs in Houston

Browse open compliance officer positions in Houston, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Compliance Officer Salary in Houston

How much does a Compliance Officer make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median compliance officer salary in Houston, Texas is $72,058 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,060. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $125,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Compliance Officer make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,058, a compliance officer in Houston earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for compliance officer pay? ▼
Houston's median compliance officer salary of $72,058 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $69,055. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a compliance officer salary of $72,058 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a compliance officer in Houston? ▼
Most compliance officer positions in Houston 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.