Compliance Officers
Compliance officers examine whether organizations, individuals, and operations follow applicable laws and regulations. They investigate violations, evaluate permits and licenses, and document findings. Compliance officers work across government agencies, private corporations, and regulatory bodies in sectors like environmental protection, labor standards, financial services, and occupational safety.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against compliance officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A compliance officer might start by reviewing permit applications for completeness and regulatory alignment. Mid-morning could involve site inspections to verify adherence to safety codes or environmental standards. Afternoons typically include documenting observations, interviewing personnel about procedures, analyzing records for discrepancies, and preparing compliance reports. The work alternates between fieldwork and office-based investigation, with regular communication to supervisors and relevant parties about findings.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable with rules and procedures. You're also comfortable directing others and making decisions in regulated environments. If you enjoy systematic problem-solving, documentation, and enforcement responsibility, this work suits you.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Chief Security Risk & Compliance Officer · Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board · Washington, District of Columbia · $151661–$228000
- Supervisory Health System Specialist - VISN Integrity and Compliance Officer · Veterans Health Administration · Location Negotiable After Selection · $125776–$163514
- Supervisory Health System Specialist - VISN Compliance and Business Integrity Officer · Veterans Health Administration · Location Negotiable After Selection · $125776–$163514
- Tax Specialist / Tax Compliance Officer · Internal Revenue Service · Multiple Locations · $74678–$114413
- Health System Specialist-Integrity and Compliance Officer · Veterans Health Administration · Boise, Idaho · $89508–$116362
- Risk and Compliance Officer · Securities and Exchange Commission · Boston, Massachusetts · $173083–$292300
- Facilities Safety & Compliance Officer · National Institute of Standards and Technology · Boulder, Colorado · $83265–$129742
- Supervisory Compliance Officer · Consumer Product Safety Commission · Washington, District of Columbia · $143913–$187093
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $84,590 | $111,030 | $132,960 | 4,380 |
| Massachusetts | $78,390 | $102,060 | $130,230 | 13,190 |
| New Jersey | $76,180 | $100,000 | $128,790 | 13,310 |
| California | $71,240 | $96,980 | $127,380 | 49,880 |
| Connecticut | $71,810 | $91,810 | $109,990 | 3,610 |
| Delaware | $65,520 | $91,050 | $105,800 | 2,150 |
| Vermont | $68,220 | $90,420 | $108,510 | 1,960 |
| New York | $66,670 | $90,080 | $119,430 | 23,500 |
| Washington | $74,770 | $88,790 | $116,210 | 11,130 |
| Rhode Island | $74,550 | $87,620 | $110,090 | 970 |
| Minnesota | $68,200 | $85,920 | $109,010 | 6,140 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,280 | $85,580 | $130,990 | 19,810 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) — International Trade Certification
- Certified U.S. Import Compliance Officer (CUSICO) — International Trade Certification
- Certified Compliance Officer (CCO) — International Security Certification Board
- Associate in Regulation and Compliance (ARC) — The Institutes
- Associate, Insurance Regulatory Compliance (AIRC) — LOMA
- WSO - Certified Governmental Safety Officer (WSO-CGSO) — World Safety Organization
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 43 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against compliance officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-1041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.