Compliance Officer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$102,000
national median salary
$78,000 to $138,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$135,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$106,000
Charlotte, NC
Lowest Paying
$78,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Compliance Officer salary in the United States is $102,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $78,000 at the 25th percentile to $138,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $135,000, while Charlotte offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Regulatory environment complexity and industry are the top salary drivers.
Compliance Officer salary by city
Skills that increase Compliance Officer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Compliance Officers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $14,280 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$14,280 per year
≈ +$13,260 per year
≈ +$12,240 per year
≈ +$11,220 per year
≈ +$11,220 per year
≈ +$10,200 per year
≈ +$10,200 per year
≈ +$9,180 per year
What you should know
Regulatory environment complexity and industry are the top salary drivers. Compliance officers in banking, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals earn 15 to 25% more than those in less regulated industries. AML/BSA specialization, sanctions screening expertise, and experience managing regulatory examinations command significant salary premiums.
Compliance analysts start at $60,000 to $78,000. Compliance officers earn $85,000 to $120,000. Senior compliance officers and managers reach $115,000 to $155,000. Directors of compliance earn $150,000 to $210,000. Chief compliance officers at large institutions command $220,000 to $400,000.
Annual bonuses of 10 to 20% are tied to audit outcomes and regulatory examination results. Financial services compliance officers receive the highest variable pay. Some firms offer retention bonuses to keep compliance talent during regulatory transitions or enforcement actions.