What does a compliance officer do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Compliance officers make sure that people and organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements. A bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level jobs. BLS reports a median pay of $80,730 per year (May 2025) and about 436,400 jobs in 2025.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 13-1041 |
| O*NET code | 13-1041.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median annual wage | $80,730 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 4 percent (as fast as average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 436,400 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a compliance officer do?
BLS says compliance officers keep up with relevant laws and advise on compliance, develop and implement policies and procedures, assess compliance risks and find ways to reduce them, conduct compliance audits and assessments, train staff, investigate potential violations, document findings and recommendations, and measure how well compliance programs work.
Work environment
Compliance officers usually work in an office setting. Government (excluding state and local education and hospitals) employs 35 percent, finance and insurance 12 percent, professional, scientific and technical services 9 percent and healthcare and social assistance 8 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level jobs, and some positions require a degree in a related area such as biology, business, social science or engineering. Some roles, such as those involving asbestos or other hazardous substances, may require a state-issued license. Professional certification may also help.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical, communication, customer service, detail, interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does a compliance officer make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $80,730 for compliance officers (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of compliance officers to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels as fast as average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 32,700 openings are projected each year on average.
How to get hired
- Pick an industry first, since compliance work differs between healthcare, finance and government.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Accountants and auditors, Paralegals and legal assistants, Construction and building inspectors, Human resources specialists, Management analysts.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do compliance officers need? BLS says a bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level jobs, and some positions require a degree in a related area such as biology, business or engineering.
Do compliance officers need a license? Not usually. BLS says some roles, such as those involving asbestos or other hazardous substances, may require a state-issued license, and professional certification may help.
How much do compliance officers make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $80,730 for compliance officers (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is compliance officer a good career? BLS projects 4 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (as fast as average). About 32,700 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does an Accountant Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Paralegal Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- What Does a Building Inspector Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- Human Resources Specialist: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Compliance officers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/compliance-officers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 13-1041.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1041.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.