Compliance Officer Salary in the United States
Based on 417K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$78,971
$37.97/hr
▲ 3.2% vs 2024Salary Range
$50K – $128K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
417K
workers nationwide
The median Compliance Officer salary in the United States is $78,971 per year, which translates to approximately $38 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with half of all Compliance Officers earning more and half earning less. This role is crucial across many industries for ensuring adherence to laws and regulations.
Several factors can influence a Compliance Officer salary in the United States. Experience level, the size and industry of the employer, and geographic location all play significant roles. For instance, positions in high cost-of-living areas or specialized industries may command higher compensation, pushing salaries towards the upper end of the $49,787 to $127,749 range.
Salary Distribution — Compliance Officer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,787 |
| 25th percentile | $60,826 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,971 |
| 75th percentile | $103,455 |
| 90th percentile | $127,749 |
Compliance Officer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Compliance Officer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $111,030 | +40.6% | 4K |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $102,060 | +29.2% | 13K |
| 3 | New Jersey | $100,000 | +26.6% | 13K |
| 4 | California | $96,980 | +22.8% | 50K |
| 5 | Connecticut | $91,810 | +16.3% | 4K |
| 6 | Delaware | $91,050 | +15.3% | 2K |
| 7 | Vermont | $90,420 | +14.5% | 2K |
| 8 | New York | $90,080 | +14.1% | 24K |
| 9 | Washington | $88,790 | +12.4% | 11K |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $87,620 | +11.0% | 970 |
Compliance Officer Salary by Industry
How much Compliance Officers earn across industries nationwide — Wholesale Trade pays the most ($123,290 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wholesale Trade | $123,290 | +56.1% | — |
| 2 | Utilities | $112,010 | +41.8% | 5K |
| 3 | Information | $94,990 | +20.3% | 8K |
| 4 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $91,960 | +16.4% | 42K |
| 5 | Manufacturing | $89,290 | +13.1% | 20K |
| 6 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $88,660 | +12.3% | 24K |
| 7 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $87,860 | +11.3% | 2K |
| 8 | Finance and Insurance | $82,310 | +4.2% | 46K |
| 9 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $81,330 | +3.0% | 143K |
| 10 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $76,210 | -3.5% | 6K |
| 11 | Educational Services | $75,130 | -4.9% | 16K |
| 12 | Construction | $74,820 | -5.3% | 6K |
| 13 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $72,580 | -8.1% | 36K |
| 14 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $68,080 | -13.8% | 1K |
| 15 | Retail Trade | $67,810 | -14.1% | 3K |
| 16 | Transportation and Warehousing | $66,120 | -16.3% | 13K |
| 17 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $64,730 | -18.0% | 7K |
| 18 | Administrative and Support Services | $64,320 | -18.6% | 21K |
| 19 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $63,110 | -20.1% | 60 |
| 20 | Accommodation and Food Services | $48,860 | -38.1% | 1K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Compliance Officer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Compliance Officer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goldman Sachs | $74,450 | 14 |
| 2 | Amazon | $131,190 | 8 |
| 3 | Medtronic | $96,554 | 5 |
| 4 | $139,000 | 5 | |
| 5 | Intuitive Surgical Operations | $135,438 | 4 |
| 6 | Vertex Pharmaceuticals | $101,600 | 4 |
| 7 | General Hospital | $78,208 | 3 |
| 8 | Populus Group | $126,880 | 3 |
Historical Salary Trend — Compliance Officer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,005 |
| 2023 | $72,564 |
| 2024 | $76,534 |
| 2025 | $78,971 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,486 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Compliance Officer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,826 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,971 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $103,455 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $127,749 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Compliance Officer in the US?
- The median Compliance Officer salary in the United States is $78,971 annually, or about $38 per hour. This means many professionals in this field earn around this figure, with a broad salary range available.
What is the salary range for Compliance Officers?
- The typical salary range for a Compliance Officer in the United States falls between $49,787 on the lower end and $127,749 on the higher end. This wide spread indicates significant variation based on several employment factors.
Which state pays Compliance Officers the most?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest compensation for Compliance Officers, with an average salary of $111,030 per year. This indicates a strong demand or higher cost of living influencing pay in this region.
How many Compliance Officers are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 417,020 Compliance Officers employed across the United States. This substantial number reflects the widespread need for these professionals to maintain regulatory standards.