Regulatory Affairs Specialist Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$95,000
national median salary
$72,000 to $128,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$128,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$99,000
Arlington, VA
Lowest Paying
$74,000
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 Regulatory Affairs Specialist salary in the United States is $95,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $72,000 at the 25th percentile to $128,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $128,000, while Arlington offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Industry is the dominant factor, with pharma and medical device regulatory specialists earning 15 to 25% more than those in food, cosmetics, or consumer products.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist salary by city
Skills that increase Regulatory Affairs Specialist pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Regulatory Affairs Specialists based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $13,300 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$13,300 per year
≈ +$12,350 per year
≈ +$11,400 per year
≈ +$10,450 per year
≈ +$10,450 per year
≈ +$9,500 per year
≈ +$9,500 per year
≈ +$8,550 per year
What you should know
Industry is the dominant factor, with pharma and medical device regulatory specialists earning 15 to 25% more than those in food, cosmetics, or consumer products. FDA submission experience, RAC certification, and familiarity with international regulatory pathways like EU MDR or Health Canada drive salary premiums.
Associate regulatory affairs specialists start at $60,000 to $75,000. Mid-level specialists earn $85,000 to $110,000 after four to six years. Directors of regulatory affairs reach $130,000 to $170,000, with VP roles at pharma companies exceeding $200,000.
Annual bonuses of 8 to 15% are standard, often tied to successful product approvals and submission timelines. Pharma companies add stock options and comprehensive benefits including tuition reimbursement for advanced regulatory certifications.