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How much does a Compliance Specialist make?

The average salary for a Compliance Specialist is $69,005 per year in the US.

A Compliance Specialist ensures that a company follows all laws and regulations. This important role can lead to a good salary. The average yearly salary for a Compliance Specialist is around $69,000. This is a nice income that can help support a family or further education. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the industry.


The pay for Compliance Specialists ranges from about $36,000 to over $165,000 a year. Most specialists earn between $47,789 and $94,946. These numbers show that there is a lot of room for growth in this career. Some key factors that can affect salary include years of experience, education, and the type of industry a person works in. Specialists in larger cities and certain industries tend to earn more.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Compliance Specialist?

Compliance specialists find some of the best-paying job opportunities in major cities. San Francisco leads with an average salary of about $99,551, followed closely by Washington, DC at $97,869. Job seekers can also look to Boston, where the average salary is nearly $96,000. Cities like San Jose, Raleigh, and Austin also offer competitive salaries for compliance specialists, with averages around $92,744, $86,788, and $86,210, respectively. Albany and Boulder provide attractive options with salaries around $86,000, while Charlotte and Portland offer salaries around $85,800 and $85,500, respectively. These cities provide a range of opportunities for compliance specialists to advance their careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Compliance Specialist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $99,551 and Portland, OR with the lowest at $85,463.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $99,551
    In San Francisco, this role is crucial for tech giants like Salesforce and Uber. Professionals ensure that companies follow industry regulations and standards. The city’s dynamic business environment offers great opportunities for growth.
    Find Compliance Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $97,869
    In Washington, DC, this position is key for firms like Deloitte and Accenture. Specialists help navigate complex federal regulations. The city’s political landscape adds a layer of importance to compliance roles.
    Find Compliance Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $95,899
    Boston offers a rich field for compliance roles at firms like Biogen and State Street. Specialists here focus on ensuring adherence to healthcare and financial regulations. The city’s historic roots in finance and medicine make it ideal for compliance professionals.
    Find Compliance Specialist jobs in Boston, MA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $92,744
    In San Jose, this role thrives in the tech sector with companies like Adobe and Cisco. Specialists ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. The tech-heavy environment creates a fast-paced and innovative workplace.
    Find Compliance Specialist jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Raleigh, NC
    Average Salary: $86,788
    Raleigh presents a promising scene for compliance specialists at companies like Red Hat and IBM. Professionals here ensure adherence to tech and healthcare regulations. The city’s growing tech scene offers many opportunities for career advancement.
    Find Compliance Specialist jobs in Raleigh, NC


  6. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $86,210
    In Austin, this role is in demand at tech firms like Dell and Apple. Specialists ensure compliance with tech and industry regulations. The city’s vibrant tech culture provides a dynamic work environment.
    Find Compliance Specialist jobs in Austin, TX


  7. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $86,158
    Albany offers a steady role for compliance specialists at firms like State Farm and New York Life. Professionals ensure adherence to state regulations. The city’s strong insurance sector provides a stable career path.
    Find Compliance Specialist jobs in Albany, NY


  8. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $86,078
    In Boulder, this role is key for companies like Google and CH2M HILL. Specialists ensure compliance with environmental and industry standards. The city’s focus on sustainability and innovation creates a unique work environment.
    Find Compliance Specialist jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $85,809
    Charlotte offers a robust market for compliance roles at firms like Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Professionals ensure adherence to financial regulations. The city’s strong financial sector provides a solid career foundation.
    Find Compliance Specialist jobs in Charlotte, NC


  10. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $85,463
    In Portland, this role is important for companies like Nike and Intel. Specialists ensure compliance with industry regulations. The city’s eco-friendly and tech-forward culture offers a unique professional experience.
    Find Compliance Specialist jobs in Portland, OR

What are the best companies a Compliance Specialist can work for?

PwC offers the highest average salary for Compliance Specialists, making it a top choice. KPMG follows closely, providing another excellent opportunity for those in the field. Google, TikTok, and Apple also pay well, offering competitive packages and growth potential.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Compliance Specialist jobs, highlighting PwC with the highest at $232,500 and Wells Fargo with the lowest at $91,658.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $232,500
    PwC hires Compliance Specialists for various locations, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. They focus on ensuring clients follow laws and regulations. The company supports its Compliance Specialists with strong training and development programs.


  2. KPMG
    Average Salary: $207,854
    KPMG offers high-paying Compliance Specialist jobs in major cities like Boston, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. They work on risk assessments and compliance audits. KPMG provides a collaborative and inclusive work environment.


  3. Google
    Average Salary: $157,848
    Google offers Compliance Specialist roles in Silicon Valley and other tech hubs. They ensure that Google's operations adhere to laws and internal policies. Employees enjoy a dynamic workplace with innovation at its core.


  4. TikTok
    Average Salary: $151,230
    TikTok has Compliance Specialist positions in Los Angeles and other key markets. They focus on user privacy and content compliance. TikTok offers a fast-paced environment with opportunities to make a significant impact.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $131,723
    Apple hires Compliance Specialists in Cupertino and other locations. They ensure product and business operations follow regulations. Working at Apple means being part of a company that values integrity and excellence.


  6. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $113,370
    Amazon offers Compliance Specialist jobs in Seattle and other major cities. They work on compliance with trade regulations and corporate policies. Amazon provides a challenging and rewarding work environment.


  7. U.S. Bank
    Average Salary: $109,916
    U.S. Bank employs Compliance Specialists in Minneapolis and various other locations. They focus on financial regulations and risk management. The bank offers a supportive culture and opportunities for career growth.


  8. Woodward, Inc.
    Average Salary: $93,294
    Woodward, Inc. has Compliance Specialist roles in Fort Collins, Colorado, and other areas. They ensure compliance with aerospace and defense regulations. The company emphasizes innovation and quality.


  9. State of North Carolina
    Average Salary: $92,785
    The State of North Carolina offers Compliance Specialist positions across the state. They work on ensuring state agencies follow laws and regulations. The state provides a stable and fulfilling career path.


  10. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $91,658
    Wells Fargo has Compliance Specialist jobs in various cities, including San Francisco. They focus on financial regulations and customer protection. The company offers a supportive environment with opportunities for advancement.

How to earn more as a Compliance Specialist?

Becoming a Compliance Specialist involves understanding and ensuring adherence to regulations in various industries. To earn more in this role, professionals can take certain steps that enhance their value. Gaining certifications like the Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) can make a specialist more knowledgeable and attractive to employers. Such certifications show dedication to the field and a deeper understanding of regulatory requirements.

In addition to certifications, gaining experience in high-demand areas can also lead to higher earnings. Specialists who work in finance, healthcare, or technology often see higher salaries due to the complexity and importance of compliance in these fields. Moving up to senior roles with more responsibility, such as a Compliance Manager or Director, can also increase income. Continuous learning and staying updated on changes in laws and regulations keep a specialist's skills current and valuable. Building a strong professional network can lead to better job opportunities and salary negotiations.

Here are some factors that can help increase earnings as a Compliance Specialist:

  1. Obtain relevant certifications
  2. Gain experience in high-demand areas
  3. Advance to senior roles
  4. Continuously update skills and knowledge
  5. Build a professional network

Currently 429 Compliance Specialist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Compliance Specialist in the US?

Learn what a Compliance Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Compliance Specialist today.
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Compliance Specialist
429 Job Openings