Legal Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Compliance Officer Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median compliance officer salary in Seattle, WA is $111,089 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$111,089
vs State Avg
+$24,770
vs National
+$36,029
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median compliance officer salary of $111,089, which is $24,770 above the Washington state average of $86,319. Compared to the national median of $75,060, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $111,089 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $75,060. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for compliance officers in Seattle spans from $63,640 at the 10th percentile to $193,880 at the 90th percentile — a $130,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,040, while senior compliance officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $185,000. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Compliance Officer Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level compliance officer earns around $71,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $185,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,040
+$23,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,440
+$37,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$185,000
+$60,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $63,640
25th Percentile $82,880
Median (50th) $111,089
75th Percentile $150,960
90th Percentile $193,880

Compliance Officer Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$114,091
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$82,566
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$76,561
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$69,055
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Compliance Officer in Seattle

Education

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

Find Compliance Officer Jobs in Seattle

Browse open compliance officer positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Compliance Officer Salary in Seattle

How much does a Compliance Officer make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median compliance officer salary in Seattle, Washington is $111,089 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $75,060. Salaries range from $63,640 (10th percentile) to $193,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Compliance Officer make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,089, a compliance officer in Seattle earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for compliance officer pay? ▼
Seattle's median compliance officer salary of $111,089 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $86,319. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a compliance officer salary of $111,089 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a compliance officer in Seattle? ▼
Most compliance officer positions in Seattle 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.