How Much Does a Chief Compliance Officer Make? (2025)
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for overseeing regulatory compliance across an organization, ensuring that it operates within legal and ethical boundaries. Salaries for CCOs vary based on experience, education, industry, company and geographic location.
In the United States, the average salary for Chief Compliance Officers in 2025 is $254,101 per year. The BLS projects a 6% growth in employment for top executives, including CCOs, from 2023 to 2033. This means leadership roles focused on efficiency and strategy will remain in demand.
Here are more details on CCO salary trends, top-paying industries, career advancement, and common questions about this job title.
Average Chief Compliance Officer Salary
As of January 01, 2025, the average salary for a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) in the United States is $254,101 per year. This base salary can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and industry. The salary range for Chief Compliance Officers is between $178,065 to $339,307.
2025 Chief Compliance Officer Average Salary: $254,101 per year ($122 per hour)
A Chief Compliance Officer’s average monthly salary is $21,175, while the average weekly base pay amount is $4,887. According to the Salary.com direct report, the hourly rate for a CCO is approximately $122.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $86 | $3,424 | $14,839 | $178,065 |
| 25% | $103 | $4,121 | $17,858 | $214,301 |
| 50% (Median) | $122 | $4,887 | $21,175 | $254,101 |
| 75% | $144 | $5,744 | $24,892 | $298,701 |
| 90% | $163 | $6,525 | $28,276 | $339,307 |
Chief Compliance Officer Salaries State by State
The salary for Chief Compliance Officers varies across U.S. states due to factors such as cost of living, local economies, and demand from employers for compliance expertise.
In the table below, the states with the lowest average annual salaries for Chief Compliance Officers are Mississippi ($226,601), South Dakota ($228,401), and West Virginia ($228,701).
Meanwhile, the highest average annual salaries for Chief Compliance Officers are in the District of Columbia ($282,801), California ($280,201), and New Jersey ($278,501).
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $282,801 |
| California | $280,201 |
| New Jersey | $278,501 |
| Massachusetts | $276,401 |
| Alaska | $276,701 |
| Washington | $273,901 |
| Connecticut | $272,901 |
| New York | $270,801 |
| Rhode Island | $265,301 |
| Hawaii | $265,501 |
| Delaware | $257,901 |
| Illinois | $259,901 |
| Minnesota | $259,901 |
| Colorado | $259,201 |
| Maryland | $262,001 |
| New Hampshire | $258,401 |
| Oregon | $258,101 |
| Virginia | $254,801 |
| Pennsylvania | $253,601 |
| North Dakota | $251,501 |
| Wisconsin | $251,001 |
| Michigan | $250,801 |
| Vermont | $249,301 |
| Ohio | $248,501 |
| Texas | $248,701 |
| Arizona | $247,501 |
| Maine | $247,201 |
| Indiana | $246,501 |
| Georgia | $245,701 |
| North Carolina | $243,901 |
| Iowa | $243,201 |
| Kansas | $241,901 |
| Louisiana | $241,601 |
| Utah | $241,601 |
| Florida | $241,401 |
| Alabama | $233,501 |
| Tennessee | $235,301 |
| Oklahoma | $235,001 |
| New Mexico | $234,301 |
| Missouri | $242,101 |
| Nebraska | $239,301 |
| Kentucky | $239,101 |
| South Carolina | $239,901 |
| Idaho | $237,101 |
| Montana | $237,301 |
| South Dakota | $228,401 |
| West Virginia | $228,701 |
| Mississippi | $226,601 |
| Arkansas | $231,501 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Chief Compliance Officers?
The salary of a Chief Compliance Officer varies significantly by city due to factors such as cost of living, local economies, and the demand for compliance professionals. So, where can a Chief Compliance Officer earn the most?
Cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland in California offer the highest average salaries for Chief Compliance Officers, making them attractive destinations for professionals in this field.
| City | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose | CA | $318,901 |
| San Francisco | CA | $317,601 |
| Oakland | CA | $310,001 |
| New York | NY | $296,801 |
| Queens Village | NY | $294,701 |
| Paramus | NJ | $292,701 |
| Passaic | NJ | $292,401 |
| Bergenfield | NJ | $292,201 |
| Stamford | CT | $291,701 |
| Huntington | NY | $289,601 |
| Bridgeport | CT | $287,901 |
| Newark | NJ | $287,101 |
How Experience Affects Chief Compliance Officer Salary?
The salary of a Chief Compliance Officer increases with experience. As per the latest data, an entry-level Chief Compliance Officer (0-1 years) earns approximately $228,029 per year.
Officers with 1-2 years of experience earn around $231,567, and those with 2-4 years of experience typically make about $234,514. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn about $239,231. For those with over 8 years of experience, the average salary rises to $245,126.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief Compliance Officer | $228,029 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Compliance Officer | $231,567 |
| Senior Level Chief Compliance Officer | $234,514 |
| Specialist Level Chief Compliance Officer | $239,231 |
| Expert Level Chief Compliance Officer | $245,126 |
How to Increase Salary as a Chief Compliance Officer?
To increase salary as a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), focusing on career progression and acquiring key skills is essential. Here are some strategies to help boost your salary and advance in the field:
Chief Compliance Officer Advancements
- Education: To increase salary as a Chief Compliance Officer, obtaining advanced degrees like an MBA or certifications can open doors to higher-paying roles. These credentials demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and expertise. Specialized education helps position you for top-tier opportunities.
- Work Experience: Gaining extensive experience in compliance management and leadership is key to advancing in this role. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years of experience can command higher salaries. Proving your ability to navigate complex regulations and lead teams can set you apart.
- Licenses and Certifications: Earning certifications like CRCM, CCEP or similar industry-specific credentials boosts your credibility and marketability. These certifications highlight your specialized knowledge and can lead to salary increases. Demonstrating expertise in regulatory compliance is vital for career progression.
Chief Compliance Officer Skills
Chief Compliance Officers with specialized skills in high-demand compliance areas can expect significant salary increases. According to the latest data on compliance roles, a Chief
Compliance Officers with expertise in compliance monitoring can see a salary increase of up to 7.92%, while those with a strong understanding of compliance risk assessment and audit or Sarbanes-Oxley compliance may experience increases of 7.34% and 7.33%, respectively.
| Skill | Demand Growth | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance Monitoring | 17.51% | +7.92% |
| Compliance Risk Assessment | 17.21% | +7.34% |
| Compliance Audit | 17.11% | +7.33% |
| Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance | 17.11% | +7.33% |
| Operational Policy Development | 17.01% | +7.25% |
| Compliance Management | 17.61% | +6.99% |
Chief Compliance Officer Salary FAQs
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chief Compliance Officer:
What is the average salary of a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) in the United States?
The average annual salary for a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) in the United States is $254,101. This figure represents the median salary for professionals in the role, considering a variety of factors such as experience, location, and industry.
What is the highest pay for a Chief Compliance Officer?
The highest salary recorded for a Chief Compliance Officer is $339,307 annually. This represents the 90th percentile for CCOs in the United States, which typically applies to professionals with significant experience, specialized expertise, and leadership responsibilities within large or complex organizations.
What is the lowest pay for a Chief Compliance Officer?
The lowest salary for Chief Compliance Officers is around $178,065. This represents the entry-level salaries for professionals who may be newer to the role, working in smaller organizations or industries with lower compliance demands.
What degree do you need to be a chief compliance officer?
To become a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business administration, finance, law, accounting, or criminal justice is typically required.
However, to advance and increase salary potential, obtaining advanced degrees like a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or specialized certifications (e.g., CRCM, CCEP) can be highly beneficial. These credentials help position a candidate for higher-paying roles and demonstrate expertise in regulatory compliance, potentially boosting both salary and total compensation.
