The average salary for a Head of Compliance in the US is $189,650 per year.
The Head of Compliance leads an organization’s regulatory strategy, oversees governance frameworks, and ensures adherence to industry standards and legal requirements. In the US, this executive-level role is critical across financial services, healthcare, technology companies, fintech, defense contractors, and publicly traded enterprises. Salaries vary based on regulatory complexity, enterprise size, industry risk exposure, and board-level reporting responsibilities. Professionals who manage enterprise-wide compliance programs and interact directly with executive leadership and regulators typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Head of Compliance (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $189,650 |
| Median Salary | $178,400 |
| Lowest Salary | $130,000 |
| Highest Salary | $300,000 |
Compensation often includes performance bonuses, long-term incentives, and executive benefits.
Gender Pay Analysis in Head of Compliance
Gender pay differences for Heads of Compliance in the US are influenced by company size, regulatory scope, and executive exposure.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $193,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $184,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $189,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at executive levels where pay is tied directly to enterprise risk oversight and board accountability.
Salary by Experience Level
Early Executive Level
Professionals transitioning into Head of Compliance roles typically earn around $130,000–$165,000 per year. These individuals often previously served as Compliance Managers or Directors and begin overseeing broader regulatory programs.
Mid Executive Level
Mid-tier Heads of Compliance earn between $170,000 and $230,000 per year. At this stage, professionals lead compliance departments, oversee audits, manage regulatory reporting, and advise senior leadership on risk posture. This level commonly requires 10–15 years of progressive compliance experience.
Senior Executive Level
Senior Heads of Compliance earn $260,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $300,000 in large US enterprises and highly regulated industries. These professionals define compliance strategy at the organizational level, interact directly with boards and regulators, and manage enterprise-wide governance frameworks. Compensation reflects significant legal and financial accountability.
Certifications for Head of Compliance
- Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
- Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Enterprise governance strategy
- Regulatory framework implementation
- Risk mitigation and audit oversight
- Policy development and enforcement
- Executive and board-level communication
- Cross-functional leadership
Best-paying cities for Head of Compliance in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($189,650) |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $223,000 | ▲ +18% |
| San Francisco, CA | $220,000 | ▲ +16% |
| Washington, DC | $212,000 | ▲ +12% |
| Boston, MA | $198,000 | ▲ +4% |
| Seattle, WA | $195,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Chicago, IL | $176,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Dallas, TX | $171,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $190,500 | ▲ +0% |
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Future Outlook for Head of Compliance Compensation
As regulatory scrutiny increases across industries, organizations continue investing in strong compliance leadership. Professionals who can manage evolving regulatory landscapes and align compliance strategy with business growth are expected to maintain strong earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $189,650 a good salary for a Head of Compliance?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for executive-level compliance leadership roles.
Can Heads of Compliance earn over $250,000?
Yes, professionals in large enterprises or highly regulated industries can exceed $250,000 annually.
Does compensation include bonuses or equity?
Yes, executive compliance roles often include performance bonuses and long-term incentives.
Are remote Head of Compliance roles common?
Yes, some organizations offer remote or hybrid executive compliance leadership positions.
Which industries pay Heads of Compliance the most?
Financial services, fintech, healthcare, defense, and publicly traded technology companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a Head of Compliance?
It typically requires 10–15 years of progressive compliance and regulatory leadership experience.
Is Compliance Leadership a stable career in the US?
Yes, increasing regulatory complexity ensures strong long-term demand for executive compliance professionals.
