Compliance Officer Salary in the United States
Based on 417K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$78,971
$37.967/hr
▲ 3.2% vs 2024Salary Range
$69K – $157K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
417K
workers nationwide
Compliance Officer salary in the United States averages $76,534 annually, reflecting the critical role these professionals play in helping organizations meet regulatory requirements. With approximately 397,760 compliance officers working across the country, this field offers stable career opportunities for those focused on risk management, legal adherence, and organizational governance.
Compensation for compliance officers varies significantly based on several key factors. Industry type, company size, and geographic location substantially impact earnings, with positions in highly regulated sectors like finance and healthcare typically commanding higher salaries. Experience level, professional certifications, and specific compliance expertise also influence pay, with salaries ranging from $63,350 to $152,920 depending on these variables.
Salary Distribution — Compliance Officer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,140 |
| 25th percentile | $84,590 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,971 |
| 75th percentile | $132,960 |
| 90th percentile | $156,750 |
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 |
Historical Salary Trend — Compliance Officer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,005 |
| 2023 | $72,564 |
| 2024 | $76,534 |
| 2025 | $78,971 |
Compliance Officer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do compliance officers make per hour in the United States?
- The median hourly rate for compliance officers in the United States is $37 per hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $76,534, though hourly rates can vary depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the salary range for compliance officers in the US?
- Compliance officer salaries in the United States range from $63,350 at the lower end to $152,920 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, geographic location, and industry specialization.
Which city pays compliance officers the most?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest median salary for compliance officers at $103,010 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $76,534, reflecting the cost of living and concentration of regulatory positions in the nation's capital.
How many compliance officers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 397,760 compliance officers employed throughout the United States. This substantial workforce reflects the growing importance of regulatory compliance across industries.