The average salary for a Compliance Manager in the US is $133,760 per year.
Compliance Managers oversee regulatory adherence, internal policy enforcement, and risk mitigation strategies within organizations. In the US, this role is critical across financial services, healthcare, technology companies, government contractors, and enterprise corporations. Salaries vary based on industry regulations, audit exposure, compliance framework complexity, and leadership scope. Professionals who manage enterprise-wide compliance programs and navigate evolving regulatory environments typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Compliance Manager (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $133,760 |
| Median Salary | $127,400 |
| Lowest Salary | $90,000 |
| Highest Salary | $205,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Compliance Manager
Gender pay differences for Compliance Managers in the US are influenced by industry sector, regulatory specialization, and executive-level reporting exposure.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $136,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $129,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $134,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior compliance leadership levels where pay is tied directly to risk reduction and audit performance.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Compliance Managers in the US typically earn around $90,000–$110,000 per year. These professionals often transition from compliance analyst or audit roles and begin managing small teams and regulatory documentation processes. Most have 3–5 years of compliance or regulatory experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Compliance Managers usually earn between $115,000 and $160,000 per year. At this stage, professionals oversee compliance programs, coordinate internal audits, implement regulatory controls, and report directly to executive stakeholders. This level commonly requires 5–10 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Compliance Managers earn $185,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $205,000 in major US enterprises. These professionals manage enterprise-wide compliance frameworks, align regulatory strategy with business operations, and mitigate high-level legal and financial risks. Compensation reflects significant accountability for organizational regulatory posture.
Certifications for Compliance Manager
- Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Regulatory framework implementation
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Internal audit coordination
- Policy development and enforcement
- Cross-functional stakeholder communication
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) systems
Best-paying cities for Compliance Manager in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($133,760) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $158,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $148,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Washington, DC | $144,000 | ▲ +8% |
| Boston, MA | $138,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Seattle, WA | $137,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Chicago, IL | $124,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Austin, TX | $127,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Remote (US) | $134,500 | ▲ +0% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
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Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a competitive target range. - Show measurable impact
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Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Compliance Manager Compensation
As regulatory requirements continue expanding across industries, demand for experienced Compliance Managers remains strong. Professionals who can navigate complex legal frameworks and align compliance strategy with business growth are expected to see sustained earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $133,760 a good salary for a Compliance Manager?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level compliance leadership roles depending on industry and regulatory complexity.
Can Compliance Managers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior compliance leaders in large enterprises and highly regulated industries can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do compliance certifications increase salary?
Certifications strengthen credibility and often improve earning potential when combined with hands-on regulatory experience.
Are remote Compliance Manager roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote or hybrid compliance leadership positions.
Which industries pay Compliance Managers the most?
Financial services, healthcare, technology, defense, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a Compliance Manager?
It typically requires 5–10 years of progressive compliance or regulatory experience.
Is Compliance Management a stable career in the US?
Yes, evolving regulations ensure long-term demand for skilled compliance professionals.
