How much does a Compliance Officer make?

The average salary for a Compliance Officer is $87,682 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 3533 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Compliance Officer employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Compliance Officer in United States is $116,886 per year.

The lowest salary for a Compliance Officer in United States is $66,092 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Compliance Officer or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Compliance Officer.

Compliance officers are senior ranking members of their firms, so they generally enjoy a high professional salary and substantial decision-making power. Their pay typically lags that of revenue generating executives, but they enjoy total focus on their work as they do not have client-relationship management duties. Compliance officers generally enjoy high job security during economic downturns and rounds of layoffs, as their role is critical to the operations of a firm.

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Glassdoor's anonymous ratings show that about 73% of compliance officers are satisfied with the salary they're currently making. A compliance officer salary, which typically factors in individual education and experience level, may be supplemented by $8,408.87, such as bonuses and profit sharing.

On the typical compliance officer career path, salaries can vary widely, usually falling between $51,265.86 and $150,861.00, with average take-home earnings of about $79,274.26, which doesn't include bonuses and other incentives. This amount often increases as your experience level and time with the company increases. Individuals who accept promotions to higher-level positions, such as a chief compliance officer role, often make even more.

Although your compliance officer salary may depend, in part, on the size and scope of the hiring company, you can take several steps to increase your earning potential:

- Pursue higher education: Although many employers require compliance officers to hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, individuals with Master's degrees or higher may receive higher salaries or see opportunities for advancement.

- Seek compliance certification: Industry-specific compliance certification, such as Certified Medical Device Compliance Professional certification, can lead to higher wages.

- Enhance in-demand skills: A career as a compliance officer typically requires strong communication skills and strategic, ethical thinking. Relevant training programs, such as ethics workshops, can increase your marketability.

Whether you're starting a new job or reevaluating your current position, negotiating a higher salary can be an integral part of the process. To maximize your chances of a successful negotiation, start by identifying a potential salary range and opening with your ideal amount. Understanding what compliance officers with a similar background are making in your region can help you set realistic earnings expectations. It's also important to know your worth by factoring in variables that impact salary, including your education, on-the-job experience, and relevant skill set. Present this information clearly and confidently, and be prepared to answer questions or address concerns from your current or potential employer.