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Summary

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cfptolQ3iI.
Quick Facts: Compliance Officers
2023 Median Pay $75,670 per year
$36.38 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2023 403,900
Job Outlook, 2023-33 5% (As fast as average)
Employment Change, 2023-33 21,900

What Compliance Officers Do

Compliance officers make sure that people and organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Work Environment

Compliance officers work for a variety of employers, usually in an office setting. Most work full time.

How to Become a Compliance Officer

Compliance officers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They often receive training on the job. Employers may prefer or require candidates to have experience related to the position.

Pay

The median annual wage for compliance officers was $75,670 in May 2023.

Job Outlook

Employment of compliance officers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 34,400 openings for compliance officers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for compliance officers.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of compliance officers with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about compliance officers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Compliance Officers Do About this section

Female compliance officer showing a document to a male colleague
Compliance officers help to inform people about laws and regulations.

Compliance officers make sure that people and organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Duties

Compliance officers typically do the following:

  • Stay current on relevant laws and regulations and advise individuals and organizations on how to comply with them
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures
  • Assess compliance-related risks and find ways to reduce them
  • Perform compliance audits and assessments
  • Provide compliance-related training on a variety of topics
  • Investigate potential violations of laws and regulations
  • Document findings, recommendations, and other information
  • Measure the effectiveness of compliance programs

Compliance officers must understand the rules that affect an industry and make sure that organizations and individuals follow them. They may identify compliance risks and offer guidance. They also might prepare reports, memos, and other documents.

Job tasks may vary by employer or position. For example, compliance officers who work for organizations might help businesses determine how to meet regulations and then may carry out staff trainings.

Some compliance officers provide advice on a broad range of topics. Others specialize in a particular area of compliance, such as healthcare, data protection, or the environment.

For information about other occupations in which workers focus on compliance, see the profiles on construction and building inspectors; financial examiners; occupational health and safety specialists and technicians; and tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents.

Work Environment About this section

Woman working at a computer
Compliance officers usually work in an office setting.

Compliance officers held about 403,900 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of compliance officers were as follows:

Government 37%
Finance and insurance 13
Professional, scientific, and technical services 9
Healthcare and social assistance 8
Manufacturing 5

Compliance officers usually work in an office, although work settings may vary. Travel or working outdoors may be required for some jobs. For example, a compliance officer may travel to deliver onsite training or to conduct an inspection.

Work Schedules

Most compliance officers work full time, standard schedules. They sometimes need to work longer hours, such as when conducting research for an investigation.

How to Become a Compliance Officer About this section

Man explaining information in a business meeting
Communication skills are important for prospective compliance officers.

Compliance officers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They often receive training on the job. Employers may prefer or require candidates to have experience related to the position.

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.

Other Experience

Compliance officers may enter the occupation through a variety of paths. Candidates seeking to become compliance officers in a particular industry may need or benefit from having experience in that industry.

College students may gain practical experience by participating in internships while they are in school.

Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a legal background or experience with auditing or related tasks.

Licenses, Certifications, and 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 for more information.

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.

Pay About this section

Compliance Officers

Median annual wages, May 2023

Business operations specialists

$78,500

Compliance officers

$75,670

Total, all occupations

$48,060

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

The median annual wage for compliance officers was $75,670 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,790, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $123,710.

In May 2023, the median annual wages for compliance officers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Professional, scientific, and technical services $81,530
Manufacturing 81,100
Finance and insurance 78,030
Government 76,920
Healthcare and social assistance 66,060

Most compliance officers work full time, standard schedules. They sometimes need to work longer hours, such as when involved with investigations.

Job Outlook About this section

Compliance Officers

Percent change in employment, projected 2023-33

Business operations specialists

7%

Compliance officers

5%

Total, all occupations

4%

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Employment of compliance officers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 34,400 openings for compliance officers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Demand for compliance officers will stem from the need for businesses and government agencies to comply with various laws and regulations. Compliance officers will be needed to understand the complexities of these regulations and to help their employers avoid the costs associated with noncompliance.

Employment projections data for compliance officers, 2023-33
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2023 Projected Employment, 2033 Change, 2023-33 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Compliance officers

 13-1041 403,900 425,800 5 21,900 Get data

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of compliance officers.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help on Entry-Level Education 2023 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
Accountants and auditors Accountants and Auditors

Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records.

 Bachelor's degree $79,880
Construction and building inspectors Construction and Building Inspectors

Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.

 High school diploma or equivalent $67,700
Environmental scientists and specialists Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.

 Bachelor's degree $78,980
Financial examiners Financial Examiners

Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws that govern institutions handling monetary transactions.

 Bachelor's degree $84,300
Fire inspectors and investigators Fire Inspectors

Fire inspectors detect fire hazards, recommend prevention measures, ensure compliance with state and local fire regulations, and investigate causes of fires.

 See How to Become One $71,420
Lawyers Lawyers

Lawyers advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions.

 Doctoral or professional degree $145,760
Paralegals and legal assistants Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by performing a variety of tasks, such as maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents. 

 Associate's degree $60,970
Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents determine how much is owed in taxes and collect tax from individuals and businesses on behalf of the government.

 Bachelor's degree $58,530
training and development specialists image Training and Development Specialists

Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of their employees.

 Bachelor's degree $64,340

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about compliance careers in federal, state, or local government, contact the appropriate government agency.

For more information about corporate compliance jobs, visit

Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics

CareerOneStop

For career videos on compliance officers, visit

Compliance Officers

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

O*NET

Compliance Officers

Coroners

Customs Brokers

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Compliance Officers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/compliance-officers.htm (visited November 23, 2024).

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024

What They Do

The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.

Work Environment

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

How to Become One

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

Pay

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.

State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2023

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2023, which is the base year of the 2023-33 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2023-33

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent.

Employment Change, 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.