How to Become a Compliance Officer
Keep organizations on the right side of laws and regulations by evaluating practices, licenses, and controls. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $80,730 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$80,730/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
33,300
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Regulatory Analysis
- Auditing
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Attention to Detail
Helpful certifications
- CCEP (Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional)
- CRCM (banking)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Compliance Officer make?
The median pay for a Compliance Officer is $80,730 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Compliance Officer?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Business Administration, Legal Studies, Finance, and Political Science.
Is Compliance Officer a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 33,300 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Compliance Officer use most?
Common skills for this role are Regulatory Analysis, Auditing, Reading Comprehension, Writing, and Attention to Detail.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.