Compliance Officer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 4K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$111,030
$53.38/hr
vs National Average
$78,971
+40.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$69K – $157K
4K employed in District of Columbia
The median Compliance Officer salary in District of Columbia is $111,030 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 41%. With approximately 4,380 compliance professionals employed in the region, the District of Columbia represents a robust market for this career field. Salaries in this area range from $69,140 to $156,750 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence Compliance Officer compensation in the District of Columbia, including years of experience, industry sector, and employer size. The region's concentration of federal agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations creates demand for compliance expertise, contributing to higher-than-average wages. Advanced certifications, educational background, and specialized knowledge in regulatory areas also play significant roles in determining individual salary outcomes.
Salary Distribution — Compliance Officer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,140 |
| 25th percentile | $84,590 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $111,030 |
| 75th percentile | $132,960 |
| 90th percentile | $156,750 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,790 |
| 2023 | $100,350 |
| 2024 | $103,010 |
| 2025 | $111,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $117,692 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,790 | $70,005 |
| 2023 | $100,350 | $72,564 |
| 2024 | $103,010 | $76,534 |
| 2025 | $111,030 | $78,971 |
| 2026 (projected) | $117,692 | $83,709 |
Compliance Officer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $84,590 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $111,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $132,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $156,750 |
Compliance Officer Salary in Other States
Related Compliance Officer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Compliance Officer ($111,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Compliance Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Examiner in DC | $198,720 | +79.0% | $95.54/hr |
| Financial Manager in DC | $188,880 | +70.1% | $90.81/hr |
| Economist in DC | $167,590 | +50.9% | $80.57/hr |
| Actuary in DC | $166,230 | +49.7% | $79.92/hr |
| Credit Analyst in DC | $132,590 | +19.4% | $63.75/hr |
| Tax Examiner in DC | $125,110 | +12.7% | $60.15/hr |
| Budget Analyst in DC | $124,590 | +12.2% | $59.90/hr |
| Accountant in DC | $111,530 | +0.5% | $53.62/hr |
| Financial Analyst in DC | $105,780 | -4.7% | $50.86/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in DC | $104,990 | -5.4% | $50.48/hr |
| Loan Officer in DC | $92,890 | -16.3% | $44.66/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in DC | $84,530 | -23.9% | $40.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do compliance officers make in Washington DC?
- Compliance officers in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $111,030 per year, or approximately $53 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 40.6% premium for the DC market.
What is the salary range for a compliance officer in DC?
- The salary range for compliance officers in District of Columbia spans from $69,140 at the lower end to $156,750 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer size.
Is a compliance officer salary in DC above the national average?
- Yes, compliance officer salaries in the District of Columbia are 40.6% higher than the national average. The median DC salary of $111,030 reflects the region's higher cost of living and demand for compliance expertise.
How many compliance officers work in District of Columbia?
- There are currently 4,380 compliance officers employed in the District of Columbia. This represents a substantial employment base for the role in the region.