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- Compliance Officer Job Description
- Compliance Officer – Salary
- U.S. Average Salary: $80,190
- Salary Information by State
- How to Become a Compliance Officer: Step-by-Step
- Step One – Meet General Age and Educational Requirements
- Step Two – Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or a Related Discipline
- Step Three – Gain Professional Experience in the Field Through Internships
- Step Four – Apply for Compliance Officer Certification
- Step Five – Join Professional Organizations for Ongoing Career Support
- Step Six – Apply for Compliance Officer Jobs
- Step Seven – Maintain Active Compliance Officer Certification
- Compliance Officer – Education
- Compliance Officer Licensing and Certification Requirements
- Job Outlook for Compliance Officers
- Should You Become a Compliance Officer?
- Sources
- Frequently Asked Questions
Compliance Officers are highly skilled financial watchdogs and regulatory investigators.
Their primary role is to ensure that financial and regulatory compliance standards are adhered to in the agencies where they are implemented.
Dive into the informative career guide below to learn more about the job duties of Compliance Officers, find out how much they earn, and get step-by-step guidance on how to become a Compliance Officer.
Compliance Officer Job Description
Today’s Compliance Officers take on multifaceted roles that include acting in a regulatory, advisory, training, and enforcement capacity.
Compliance Specialists work diligently to ensure that the organizations they manage comply with relevant state, federal, and local regulations that govern their operations.
Officers work with internal points of contact, external auditors, and regulating authorities as first points of contact regarding regulatory issues and as internal support liaisons.
They also provide training and education to ensure knowledge and awareness of current organizational rules and regulations within companies.
Examples of the job duties of Compliance Officers include the following:
- Internal Policy Development and Implementation – Compliance Manuals, Codes of Conduct
- Conducting Internal Audits and Mandatory Compliance Checks
- Identifying and Assessing Internal and External Risks
- Regulatory Training and Awareness for Legal Requirements and Industry Standards
- Regulatory Liason for Government Regulators and External Contacts
- Technology Implementation and Oversight for Compliance Monitoring Software and Applications
Compliance Officer – Salary
The nature of the role they play within organizations allows Compliance Officers to command well-paying salaries that can add up to well over $100,000 per year, depending on their role, number of years of experience on the job, specialized credentials earned, employer type, and work location.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average salary for US-based Compliance Officers at $78,420 per year.
Higher-earning Compliance Analysts in the top 10% of earners in 2024 brought home over $130,000 for the year.
Compliance Managers on the lower end of the salary scale took home just over $46,000 for the year 2024.
U.S. Average Salary: $80,190
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3,270 | $71,530 | $34.39 | $111,910 | $38,540 |
| Alaska | 720 | $87,610 | $42.12 | $121,370 | $54,450 |
| Arizona | 12,000 | $73,270 | $35.22 | $109,470 | $41,070 |
| Arkansas | 3,040 | $71,010 | $34.14 | $112,640 | $40,680 |
| California | 49,320 | $92,840 | $44.63 | $137,990 | $51,110 |
| Colorado | 7,950 | $85,820 | $41.26 | $128,810 | $50,230 |
| Connecticut | 3,890 | $92,260 | $44.36 | $131,990 | $55,320 |
| Delaware | 2,330 | $87,830 | $42.23 | $130,540 | $51,570 |
| D.C. | 3,910 | $104,610 | $50.29 | $145,600 | $64,420 |
| Florida | 31,290 | $74,740 | $35.93 | $114,730 | $37,650 |
| Georgia | 13,390 | $71,130 | $34.20 | $111,610 | $38,100 |
| Hawaii | 1,270 | $80,480 | $38.69 | $111,990 | $52,040 |
| Idaho | 1,610 | $67,500 | $32.45 | $104,330 | $36,470 |
| Illinois | 8,480 | $82,280 | $39.56 | $120,700 | $47,490 |
| Indiana | 5,030 | $72,950 | $35.07 | $112,940 | $40,230 |
| Iowa | 3,230 | $74,160 | $35.66 | $102,820 | $43,760 |
| Kansas | 3,520 | $71,960 | $34.60 | $113,240 | $38,230 |
| Kentucky | 4,350 | $67,970 | $32.68 | $103,500 | $37,690 |
| Louisiana | 3,960 | $67,510 | $32.46 | $106,520 | $35,320 |
| Maine | 1,540 | $79,050 | $38.00 | $109,270 | $47,960 |
| Maryland | 8,230 | $87,550 | $42.09 | $128,620 | $52,370 |
| Massachusetts | 10,090 | $89,750 | $43.15 | $129,250 | $54,820 |
| Michigan | 9,090 | $74,870 | $35.99 | $112,550 | $42,270 |
| Minnesota | 6,820 | $84,230 | $40.50 | $123,590 | $51,680 |
| Mississippi | 1,810 | $65,370 | $31.43 | $102,950 | $32,740 |
| Missouri | 6,260 | $70,740 | $34.01 | $111,720 | $38,150 |
| Montana | 1,250 | $70,770 | $34.02 | $102,150 | $47,810 |
| Nebraska | 3,870 | $69,870 | $33.59 | $106,260 | $42,430 |
| Nevada | 3,350 | $76,050 | $36.56 | $107,410 | $44,790 |
| New Hampshire | 1,540 | $85,460 | $41.09 | $121,120 | $49,450 |
| New Jersey | 11,300 | $94,060 | $45.22 | $133,960 | $54,560 |
| New Mexico | 2,150 | $70,180 | $33.74 | $108,360 | $39,850 |
| New York | 22,000 | $88,280 | $42.44 | $130,440 | $50,160 |
| North Carolina | 8,480 | $77,530 | $37.27 | $123,240 | $42,230 |
| North Dakota | 860 | $77,930 | $37.46 | $107,950 | $50,090 |
| Ohio | 11,260 | $78,200 | $37.60 | $118,480 | $45,760 |
| Oklahoma | 4,580 | $62,210 | $29.91 | $96,170 | $38,600 |
| Oregon | 4,770 | $84,290 | $40.52 | $121,740 | $53,630 |
| Pennsylvania | 12,980 | $76,550 | $36.80 | $112,090 | $46,330 |
| Rhode Island | 890 | $84,670 | $40.71 | $126,710 | $55,390 |
| South Carolina | 4,440 | $75,500 | $36.30 | $120,580 | $40,000 |
| South Dakota | 1,060 | $71,510 | $34.38 | $100,670 | $49,710 |
| Tennessee | 8,490 | $64,230 | $30.88 | $101,540 | $35,810 |
| Texas | 38,770 | $75,490 | $36.29 | $117,720 | $40,500 |
| Utah | 3,700 | $70,890 | $34.08 | $120,440 | $38,770 |
| Vermont | 2,040 | $81,900 | $39.38 | $110,010 | $48,670 |
| Virginia | 11,660 | $79,740 | $38.34 | $125,520 | $44,320 |
| Washington | 10,570 | $87,190 | $41.92 | $132,330 | $51,420 |
| West Virginia | 1,410 | $68,320 | $32.85 | $106,010 | $39,440 |
| Wisconsin | 5,340 | $73,470 | $35.32 | $105,830 | $45,950 |
| Wyoming | 480 | $75,390 | $36.24 | $112,980 | $44,080 |
| Guam | 270 | $66,870 | $32.15 | $102,150 | $33,900 |
| Puerto Rico | 4,880 | $53,230 | $25.59 | $96,090 | $27,600 |
| Virgin Islands | 200 | $71,080 | $34.17 | $102,150 | $39,330 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
District of Columbia tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $104,610.
These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Compliance Officers, OCC Code 13-1041, BLS.* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
How to Become a Compliance Officer: Step-by-Step
Becoming a Compliance Officer involves a multistep process where prospective officers meet standards and minimum education requirements.
Each prospective regulatory expert will ultimately follow his or her pathway.
However, the following are examples of steps most Compliance Officers take on their journey to securing their dream jobs.
Step One – Meet General Age and Educational Requirements
In most cases, incoming Compliance Officers will need to meet the minimum age and education requirements to enter the education and training programs that prepare new officers for working in the field.
New applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma to begin the process of earning a higher-level specialized degree in the field.
Prospective candidates who meet general age and basic education requirements can move on to the next step of earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or another closely related field.
A degree in business administration educates students on key financial topics, including accounting and financial management, business ethics, operations, and regulatory compliance, which are all crucial courses for potential Compliance Officers on track to earn their degree.
Compliance Analysts can also earn a degree in related fields, including:
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Finance
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare Administration
- Political Science
The degree tracks above are closely related to the intended job duties of Compliance Officers and prepare students with the foundational, research, investigative, financial, and compliance skills needed to succeed in the role.
Step Three – Gain Professional Experience in the Field Through Internships
Once you have completed the previous step, the next step is to gain hands-on experience in the role.
Most new Compliance Officers take advantage of internships and immersive clinical experiences offered by their degree programs.
Students can also take on entry-level roles in related areas to gain the hands-on experience needed to gain competency, prepare for certification, and ready themselves for future employment as independent Compliance Officers.
Step Four – Apply for Compliance Officer Certification
Prospective Compliance Officers seeking to stand out from the crowd can enhance their resume by earning top industry certifications through nationally recognized professional organizations like the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics, who administer the CCEP credential, or the American Bankers Association, who issue the CRCM credential for qualifying candidates.
Top Professional Certifications for Compliance Officers in the US
- Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager – CRCM
- Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional – CCEP
Career seekers holding top Compliance Officer certifications immediately demonstrate competency in the field and will likely impress potential employers seeking to hire recent graduates and certified Compliance Analysts.
Step Five – Join Professional Organizations for Ongoing Career Support
Joining professional organizations like the SCCE, ABA, and local organizations can help new Compliance Officers build a stronger support network and stay ahead of emerging industry trends.
Professional networks can help job seekers find open employment positions, gain access to the latest regulatory industry updates, and provide information on industry best practices for new graduates and long-term officers.
Professional Organizations to Consider
- American Bankers Association – ABA
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners – ACFE
- Health Care Compliance Associations – HCCA
- International Association of Privacy Professionals – IAPP
- National Society of Compliance Professionals – NSCP
- Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics – SCCE
Step Six – Apply for Compliance Officer Jobs
Once you have gained the required education and experience needed to work as an independent Compliance Officer, you’re ready to apply for a job!
Many aspiring Compliance Specialists find their first jobs through internships offered through degree programs or by becoming active members of professional regulatory organizations that maintain internal job boards.
If you haven’t already found a job through one of the resources mentioned above, you can begin your search for Compliance Officer jobs by contacting some of the highly regulated local businesses in your area that fall into the following categories.
Who Hires Compliance Officers?
- Educational Institutions
- Energy and Utility Companies
- Financial Services and Banking
- Fortune 500 Companies
- Government Agencies
- Healthcare and Medical Systems
- Multinational Corporations
- Public Agencies
- Technology and Cybersecurity Companies
Step Seven – Maintain Active Compliance Officer Certification
Now that you have completed your journey and are officially working as a well-paid compliance officer, the final step to take is to maintain your current certification status by participating in mandatory continuing education activities provided by your credential issuing authority.
Maintaining certification keeps working Compliance Officers on top of the latest industry trends, updates, and best practices needed to sustain a lasting and successful career.
Organizations like the SCCE require certificate holders to periodically recertify their credentials by taking coursework offered by approved colleges, universities, organizations, and workforce development centers.
Compliance Officer – Education
Getting the right education is the best way to ensure longevity and professional success as a Compliance Officer.
Educational options for Compliance Officers include Bachelor’s and Master’s level degree programs from accredited institutions, colleges, universities, and professional organizations where trainees learn entry-level and advanced fundamentals needed for success on the job.
The following are examples of educational coursework and pathways taken by working Compliance Officers.
Bachelor’s Level Compliance Officer Programs
These entry-level degree programs lay the foundation for working with the heads of regulatory departments in corporations and governments.
Bachelor’s degree-seeking students can expect to take some or all of the following courses as they continue the journey toward becoming certified Compliance Officers.
- Auditing
- Business Law and Ethics
- Corporate Ethics
- Economics and Regulatory Environment
- Employment Law
- Financial Accounting
- Government and Non-Profit Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Risk Management and Internal Controls
Master’s Level Compliance Officer Education
Advanced degree-level programs for Compliance Officers focus on honing current skills and implementing more complex skills related to corporate behaviors, regulations, and government regulatory systems.
- Advanced Regulatory Compliance and Law
- Administrative Law and Enforcement
- Ethics, Governance, and Organizational Behavior
- Advanced Financial Accounting
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategy
- United States Regulatory Systems
- Whistleblower Policy Development
Compliance Officer Certification Programs
Certification programs administered by well-respected organizations help working and aspiring Compliance Officers take a deeper dive into the world of organizations, regulations, and compliance.
Candidates can expect to learn some of the following in an SCCE certification program.
- Business Valuation
- Code of Conduct Development
- Compliance and Organizational Values
- Conducting Internal Investigations
- Internal Controls and Compliance Frameworks
- Standards and Procedures for Effective Compliance Programs
Compliance Officer Licensing and Certification Requirements
Understanding the licensing and certification requirements for Compliance Officers is less complicated when you understand the basics.
Incoming Compliance Officers are not currently required to hold a professional license in any state in the US.
They are also not officially required to hold any professional certification.
However, it is important to note that most industry professionals and hiring employers typically prefer to hire candidates with certifications, as certified candidates can prove competency in the field.
Earning optional professional credentials like the Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional offered by the SCCE can help advance your career goals when employers know you have done the work to complete basic, intermediate, and advanced Compliance Officer training courses before applying for a job with their agency.
Job Outlook for Compliance Officers
Prospective Compliance Officers are taking on this new career at what appears to be a lucrative time.
America’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the need for highly skilled officers is expected to grow by at least 5% by 2033.
This growth is anticipated in response to demand for heavier and more complex regulations in the fields of technology, healthcare, law, and finance.
As such, the job outlook for Compliance Officers looks bright with an increasing need for their specialized service across a wide variety of industries.
Should You Become a Compliance Officer?
If creating and implementing company-wide policies, regulations, rules, and standards while enforcing strict regulations and internal codes of conduct sounds like your dream job, becoming a Compliance Officer could be the right career for you!
Deciding whether to become a fraud-investigating Compliance Officer is a very personal choice and based on an honest self-assessment of your commitment level to obtaining the right education, training, and credentials to be successful on the job.
Consider the following factors when deciding if you should become a Compliance Officer.
Overall Satisfaction: High
Online research shows that more than half of America’s Compliance Officers are highly satisfied with their jobs.
These professional Regulatory Analysts report finding satisfaction in implementing and upholding ethical standards and regulations that keep regulated companies afloat.
Average Salary: High
Compliance Officers in the US make well-paying salaries that start in the upper 40s and increase with time on the job and professional experience.
The average annual salary of Compliance Officers falls between $46,000 to $130,000 per year.
Lower-earning Compliance Officers can increase their salaries by earning advanced certifications, pursuing a master’s degree, or specializing in high-demand areas like data privacy, cybersecurity, or healthcare compliance.
Job Growth Outlook: High
America’s BLS predicts the job market for Compliance Officers to increase by at least 5%, which is faster than average for most US-based occupations.
The career outlook for aspiring Compliance Officers is bright.
Reports from reputable sources like the BLS show that the need for well-trained regulatory professionals across technology, healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity means job stability and longevity for incoming professionals through the year 2033.
Education Duration
While each individual will progress towards achieving their goals at their own pace, the time it takes to complete Compliance Officer education generally falls within the following timeframes.
- Earning a Bachelor’s degree will take approximately 4 years.
- An optional Master’s degree will take between 1-3 years.
- Gaining Compliance Officer certification typically takes between 3-12 months.
Talk to your student advisor to learn about the best options for completing Compliance Officer training educational requirements in a timeframe that fits your current lifestyle.
Personal Skills Needed
- Advanced Research and Investigation Skills
- Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills
- Organizational Leadership Skills
- Writing and Editing Skills
- Legal Knowledge of Regulations and Rules
- Teaching and Coaching Skills
Sources
American Bankers Association
https://www.aba.com/
Compliance Officer – BLS
Compliance Officers: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics
https://www.corporatecompliance.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to go to school to become a Compliance Officer?
Going to school to become a Compliance Officer typically includes earning a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
Completing a Bachelor’s degree requirements takes most students around four years.
Additional training for Master’s degrees and certifications can add another 1-3 years of compliance-related education to your timeline.
How much money does a Compliance Officer make a year?
US-based Compliance Officers typically earn between $46,000 – $130,000 per year on average.
Regulatory Specialists with more years of experience in the field and advanced certifications can typically command higher salaries than those with less experience and fewer credentials.
What skills do you need to become a Compliance Officer?
Critical thinking skills and advanced problem-solving skills are essential for regulatory experts.
These rules and regulations specialists must also have a high level of ethics, integrity, and organizational leadership skills.
Additional Skills Required Can Include:
- Analytical Thinking Skills
- Knowledge of Regulatory Environments
- Financial Accounting and Auditing Knowledge
- Regulatory Research and Investigation Skills
- Legal and Regulatory Skills
- Verbal and Written Communication Skills
Are Compliance Officers in high demand?
Yes!
The increasing rise in heavy regulations and regulatory enforcement across a multitude of industries is driving the need for Compliance Specialists who can implement, manage, and resolve regulatory issues in healthcare, technology, and finance.
What kind of education do you need to be a Compliance Officer?
You need a high school diploma or equivalent, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and an optional Master’s degree or professional certification to become a Compliance Officer.
While having a high school education and Bachelor’s degree are mandatory earning higher level degrees and credentials are options for career advancement.
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