The average salary for a Compliance Specialist in the US is $92,860 per year.
Compliance Specialists support organizations in meeting regulatory requirements, maintaining internal policies, and preparing for audits. They assist with documentation, risk assessments, policy updates, and regulatory reporting. In the US, this role is common across financial services, healthcare organizations, technology companies, government agencies, and enterprise corporations. Salaries vary based on industry regulations, certification level, reporting responsibilities, and organizational size. Professionals who manage complex regulatory documentation and support successful audits typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Compliance Specialist (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $92,860 |
| Median Salary | $88,400 |
| Lowest Salary | $60,000 |
| Highest Salary | $145,000 |
Total compensation may include bonuses tied to audit performance and compliance metrics.
Gender Pay Analysis in Compliance Specialist
Gender pay differences for Compliance Specialists in the US are influenced by industry sector, experience level, and certification exposure.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $94,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Female | $90,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $93,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow as professionals gain seniority and move into compliance management roles.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Compliance Specialists in the US typically earn around $60,000–$75,000 per year. These professionals assist with policy documentation, regulatory filings, and compliance monitoring activities. Most at this level have 0–2 years of experience in compliance, legal support, or audit roles.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Compliance Specialists usually earn between $80,000 and $110,000 per year. At this stage, professionals conduct internal reviews, coordinate audit preparation, and manage compliance tracking systems. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Compliance Specialists earn $125,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $145,000 in large US enterprises. These professionals oversee complex regulatory processes, support cross-departmental compliance initiatives, and report directly to compliance managers or directors. Compensation reflects increased responsibility and regulatory exposure.
Certifications for Compliance Specialist
- Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
- Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Regulatory documentation and reporting
- Internal audit coordination
- Risk assessment support
- Policy development and tracking
- Compliance management systems
- Cross-functional communication
Best-paying cities for Compliance Specialist in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($92,860) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $109,000 | ▲ +17% |
| New York, NY | $104,000 | ▲ +12% |
| Washington, DC | $101,000 | ▲ +9% |
| Boston, MA | $96,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Seattle, WA | $95,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Chicago, IL | $86,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Dallas, TX | $84,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $93,500 | ▲ +0% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying compliance role isn’t just about qualifications — it’s also about applying consistently, at scale, and to the right opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and salary negotiation instead of manual applications.
Apply to Jobs Across Multiple Platforms
RoboApply brings job listings from multiple platforms into one place. This includes compliance roles from major job boards and company career pages, helping you discover opportunities you might otherwise miss, including high-paying and remote positions.
This broad coverage increases your chances of finding roles that match both your experience level and salary expectations.
Save Time with Auto-Apply
Manually applying to compliance specialist roles can be time-consuming and repetitive. RoboApply’s auto-apply feature allows users to apply to many relevant jobs efficiently, helping maintain consistent application activity in competitive regulatory markets.
Improve Resume Relevance with AI Support
Different employers prioritize different regulatory frameworks and compliance systems. RoboApply helps tailor resumes to better match job descriptions, increasing interview callbacks and improving application success rates.
Prepare Better for Interviews
RoboApply supports interview preparation by helping candidates understand compliance audit scenarios, regulatory discussions, and documentation case studies.
Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can track submitted applications and monitor employer responses to refine their job search strategy over time.
Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a competitive compensation range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate successful audit preparation, reduced compliance gaps, and improved regulatory reporting accuracy. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, certification reimbursements, and flexible work arrangements. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Compliance Specialist Compensation
As regulatory requirements continue expanding across industries, demand for skilled Compliance Specialists remains steady. Professionals who understand evolving compliance frameworks and maintain accurate documentation are expected to maintain consistent earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $92,860 a good salary for a Compliance Specialist?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level compliance specialist roles depending on industry and certification level.
Can Compliance Specialists earn over $120,000?
Yes, senior specialists in large enterprises or highly regulated industries can exceed $120,000 annually.
Do compliance certifications increase salary?
Yes, certifications often improve earning potential when combined with hands-on regulatory experience.
Are remote Compliance Specialist roles common?
Yes, many compliance roles are remote or hybrid.
Which industries pay Compliance Specialists the most?
Financial services, healthcare, technology, defense, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Compliance Specialist?
It typically requires 5–8 years of progressive compliance experience.
Is Compliance a stable career in the US?
Yes, evolving regulatory requirements ensure long-term demand.
