Compliance Officer Salary in California
Based on 50K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$96,980
$46.63/hr
vs National Average
$78,971
+22.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $158K
50K employed in California
Compliance Officer salary in California averages $96,980 annually, positioning the state well above the national average at 23% higher. The field employs nearly 50,000 workers throughout California, reflecting strong demand for compliance professionals across diverse industries. Salaries for this role typically range from $57,530 to $158,280, depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence Compliance Officer salary in California, including industry sector, company size, and geographic location within the state. Years of experience and specialized certifications significantly impact earning potential, as do the complexity of regulatory requirements in specific sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology. Cost of living adjustments and regional economic differences also contribute to salary variations across California's major employment centers.
Salary Distribution — Compliance Officer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,530 |
| 25th percentile | $71,240 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $96,980 |
| 75th percentile | $127,380 |
| 90th percentile | $158,280 |
Top-Paying Industries for Compliance Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Compliance Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Compliance Officers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $123,290 | — |
| Utilities | $112,010 | 5K |
| Information | $94,990 | 8K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $91,960 | 42K |
| Manufacturing | $89,290 | 20K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Compliance Officer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,220 |
| 2023 | $84,990 |
| 2024 | $92,350 |
| 2025 | $96,980 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,842 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,220 | $70,005 |
| 2023 | $84,990 | $72,564 |
| 2024 | $92,350 | $76,534 |
| 2025 | $96,980 | $78,971 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,842 | $82,930 |
Compliance Officer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $71,240 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $96,980 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $158,280 |
Compliance Officer Salary in Other States
Related Compliance Officer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Compliance Officer ($96,980 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Compliance Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in CA | $180,770 | +86.4% | $86.91/hr |
| Actuary in CA | $130,510 | +34.6% | $62.75/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CA | $130,330 | +34.4% | $62.66/hr |
| Economist in CA | $119,410 | +23.1% | $57.41/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CA | $109,110 | +12.5% | $52.46/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CA | $106,000 | +9.3% | $50.96/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | +2.6% | $47.85/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | +0.9% | $47.05/hr |
| Accountant in CA | $97,050 | +0.1% | $46.66/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | -15.7% | $39.31/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -16.7% | $38.85/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -17.8% | $38.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do compliance officers make in California?
- Compliance officers in California earn a median salary of $96,980 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This is 22.8% higher than the national average, making California one of the more competitive markets for this role.
What is the salary range for compliance officers in California?
- Compliance officer salaries in California range from $57,530 at the lower end to $158,280 at the upper end. The wide range reflects differences in experience, employer size, and industry specialization.
Is compliance officer pay in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, California compliance officers earn 22.8% more than the national average. With a median salary of $96,980, California significantly outpaces most other states in compensation for this position.
How many compliance officers work in California?
- There are approximately 49,880 compliance officers currently employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's regulatory and compliance sector.