Compliance Specialist Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Compliance Specialist salary lies between USD 114,400 and USD 171,108 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 15, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Compliance Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Compliance Specialist job listings are Compliance, Audits and Privacy. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 85 jobs Audits | 58 jobs Privacy | 46 jobs Cloud | 35 jobs SOC 2 | 32 jobs ISO 27001 | 28 jobs Monitoring | 28 jobs SOC | 28 jobs CISA | 25 jobs Risk assessment | 24 jobs NIST | 24 jobs Governance | 24 jobs CISSP | 21 jobs Strategy | 20 jobs Application security | 20 jobs Risk management | 19 jobs FedRAMP | 17 jobs HIPAA | 16 jobs AWS | 14 jobs Computer Science | 14 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Compliance Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Compliance Specialist job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 51 jobs Health care | 36 jobs Flex hours | 32 jobs Startup environment | 28 jobs Team events | 28 jobs Flex vacation | 21 jobs Competitive pay | 20 jobs Equity / stock options | 17 jobs Parental leave | 16 jobs Medical leave | 14 jobs Salary bonus | 13 jobs Insurance | 11 jobs Conferences | 8 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Gear | 3 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 3 jobs Fertility benefits | 3 jobs Lunch / meals | 2 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary for a Compliance Specialist in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech-focused industries and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from the Compliance Specialist position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining experience in a specialized area of compliance, such as GDPR or HIPAA, can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and seeking opportunities in larger companies or those in high-demand sectors like finance or healthcare can lead to higher-paying roles. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage teams or complex compliance initiatives can position you for promotions and salary increases.

Educational Requirements

Most Compliance Specialist roles in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some positions may require a master's degree, especially in larger organizations or for more senior roles. Relevant coursework in information security, risk management, and regulatory compliance is highly beneficial. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses can also help keep your skills up-to-date and relevant.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial certifications for a Compliance Specialist include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)

These certifications demonstrate a strong understanding of security principles and compliance requirements, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Compliance Specialist role requires 3-5 years of experience in information security, IT audit, or a related field. Experience with regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX is often necessary. Familiarity with risk assessment and management, as well as experience in developing and implementing compliance programs, is also important. Prior roles in IT security or audit positions can provide a solid foundation for transitioning into a compliance-focused role.

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