Compliance Officer Salary in Charleston, WV: $66,053 (2026)

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

Charleston offers a median compliance officer salary of $66,053, which is $3,003 above the West Virginia state average of $63,050. Compared to the national median of $75,060, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $66,053 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $75,060 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for compliance officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for compliance officers in Charleston spans from $37,840 at the 10th percentile to $115,280 at the 90th percentile — a $77,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior compliance officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,000. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Compliance Officer Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level compliance officer earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,240

$-5,760 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$68,640

$-9,360 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$110,000

$-15,000 vs national

Percentile	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$37,840	$36,120	$43,000
25th Percentile	$49,280	$47,040	$56,000
Median (50th)	$66,053	$63,050	$75,060
75th Percentile	$89,760	$85,680	$102,000
90th Percentile	$115,280	$110,040	$131,000

Percentile

Charleston

10th Percentile

$37,840

25th Percentile

$49,280

Median (50th)

$66,053

75th Percentile

$89,760

90th Percentile

$115,280

How to Become a Compliance Officer in Charleston

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Compliance Officer Salary in Charleston

How much does a Compliance Officer make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median compliance officer salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $66,053 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,060. Salaries range from $37,840 (10th percentile) to $115,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Compliance Officer make per hour in Charleston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $66,053, a compliance officer in Charleston earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for compliance officer pay? ▼

Charleston's median compliance officer salary of $66,053 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $63,050. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼

Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a compliance officer salary of $66,053 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a compliance officer in Charleston? ▼

Most compliance officer positions in Charleston 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.

Compliance Officer Salary in Charleston, West Virginia