Compliance Officers
Compliance officers make sure that people and organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Is compliance officers a good career?
It scores 24/100 and ranks #231 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($80,730 vs $61,390)
- High volume of openings — about 33,300 a year
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What compliance officers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. compliance officers earn between $61,280 and $109,010 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live compliance officers jobs
Compliance and Anti Money Laundering Officer — French Branch
Employee Relations & HR Compliance Specialist
Financial Crimes Operations Manager, Bridge
How to become a compliance officer
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
A bachelor’s degree is typically required for entry-level compliance officer jobs, although specific requirements may depend on the position.
Some positions require a bachelor’s degree that is related to a particular area of compliance. For example, an environmental compliance officer may need a degree in biology or another natural science. Other common fields of study include business, social science, and engineering.
Training
Once hired, compliance officers typically learn on the job. For example, they might learn about relevant policies and regulations and how to identify and handle issues that arise.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some compliance officers, such as those involved with regulations related to asbestos or other hazardous substances, might need a state-issued license. Check with your state licensing agency
Earning professional certification may be helpful for some workers. Certification demonstrates that an individual has attained a certain level of competency or expertise.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Compliance officers must evaluate policies and rules. They also must identify risks and develop strategies for managing those risks.
Communication skills. Compliance officers must be able to clearly explain information, such as when training employees or writing reports.
Customer service skills. Compliance officers often answer questions and resolve concerns related to their work.
Detail oriented. Compliance officers pay close attention to laws and regulations and ensure that people and organizations meet all of the necessary requirements.
Interpersonal skills. Compliance officers must collaborate with others, including managers, employees, and government authorities.
Organizational skills. Compliance officers must keep track of and coordinate many documents, deadlines, and tasks.
Problem-solving skills. Compliance officers must be able to identify issues and determine how to overcome them.
Related occupations
How much do compliance officers make?
The national median wage is $80,730 a year, with the middle half earning between $61,280 and $109,010 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is compliance officers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 24 of 100 and ranks #231 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a compliance officer?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do compliance officers earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($111,030). Local pay for every state and metro is below.