Compliance Officer Salary in 2026
Compliance officers ensure organizations adhere to legal regulations, industry standards, and internal policies. They develop compliance programs, conduct training, and manage regulatory examinations.
Median Salary
$97,000
$8,083/mo
Entry Level
$60,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$134,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Compliance Officer Overview
Compliance officers ensure organizations adhere to legal regulations, industry standards, and internal policies. They develop compliance programs, conduct training, and manage regulatory examinations.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
3-6 years
Industry
Finance
Total Jobs (US)
345K
5-Year Growth
+16%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$46.63/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,083
Compliance Officer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Compliance Officer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Compliance Officer Salary
$109,000
$9,083/month · $4,192/biweekly · $52.40/hr
Compliance Officer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Compliance Officer field.
Entry-level Compliance Officers earn around $60,000, while the top 10% earn $151,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Compliance Officers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $114,000 | +$17,000 |
| New York | $112,000 | +$15,000 |
| Illinois | $101,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $95,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $95,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Compliance Officers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $114,000 | +$17,000 |
| Los Angeles | $109,000 | +$12,000 |
| Chicago | $102,000 | +$5,000 |
| Miami | $99,000 | +$2,000 |
| Dallas | $97,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Compliance Officer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Compliance Officer from entry level to expert.
$60,000
0-2 years
$97,000
3-7 years
$134,000
8-14 years
$169,000
15+ years
Related Finance Jobs
Compliance Officer Salary FAQ
How much does a Compliance Officer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Compliance Officer in the United States is $97,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $60,000, while senior professionals earn up to $134,000. Top earners in the field can make $169,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Compliance Officer?
A Compliance Officer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 3-6 years of experience. Key skills include Regulatory Knowledge, Policy Development, AML/KYC. Relevant certifications such as CRCM or CAMS can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Compliance Officers?
The job market for Compliance Officers is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 345K Compliance Officer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 16%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Compliance Officers the most?
The highest-paying states for Compliance Officers include New York, California, Texas. In New York, the median salary is approximately $112,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Compliance Officer salary?
To increase your Compliance Officer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Regulatory Knowledge and Policy Development. Pursue certifications such as CRCM. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 3-6 years of experience, you can progress from $60,000 to $134,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Compliance Officer Salary
How we calculate Compliance Officer salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $97,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Compliance Officer in the Finance sector.
- Entry-level ($60,000) and senior-level ($134,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 345K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 16% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Finance sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $97,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Compliance Officer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Compliance Officer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Finance
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Compliance Officer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Regulatory Knowledge, Policy Development, AML/KYC), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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