Compliance Specialist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Compliance Specialist salary lies between USD 85,000 and USD 137,700 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: Nov. 17, 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 Risk management. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 246 jobs Audits | 136 jobs Risk management | 100 jobs ISO 27001 | 91 jobs Risk assessment | 90 jobs Cloud | 84 jobs NIST | 80 jobs CISSP | 78 jobs Governance | 75 jobs Privacy | 72 jobs CISA | 68 jobs Monitoring | 67 jobs Computer Science | 66 jobs CISM | 61 jobs SOC 2 | 48 jobs Analytics | 38 jobs SOC | 38 jobs Strategy | 34 jobs CRISC | 34 jobs Automation | 32 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 149 jobs Health care | 107 jobs Flex hours | 90 jobs Competitive pay | 62 jobs Team events | 58 jobs Equity / stock options | 53 jobs Insurance | 50 jobs Parental leave | 49 jobs Salary bonus | 46 jobs Flex vacation | 40 jobs Medical leave | 39 jobs Startup environment | 37 jobs 401(k) matching | 28 jobs Wellness | 26 jobs Fitness / gym | 13 jobs Transparency | 8 jobs Conferences | 8 jobs Relocation support | 7 jobs Flexible spending account | 7 jobs Gear | 6 jobs

Salary Composition for a Compliance Specialist in InfoSec/Cyber Security

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 benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policies and the individual's performance, often ranging from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in larger tech companies, or comprehensive benefits packages that cover health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and bonuses due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. Industry also plays a role; financial services and healthcare sectors often offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of compliance in these fields. Company size can influence salary as well, with larger organizations typically offering more robust compensation packages compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Compliance Specialist Position

To increase your salary from a Compliance Specialist position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your skill set, particularly in emerging areas of cybersecurity and compliance. This could involve learning new technologies or methodologies that are in demand.

• Advanced Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, which can make you more valuable to employers.

• Networking: Build a strong professional network within the industry. Networking can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions and provide insights into industry trends.

• Pursue Higher Education: Consider pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or a related field to enhance your qualifications and open doors to higher-level positions.

• Seek Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial roles within your organization, as these positions typically come with higher salaries.

Educational Requirements for a Compliance Specialist

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, cybersecurity, or business administration. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. A strong educational background provides a foundation in both technical and regulatory aspects of cybersecurity, which is crucial for compliance roles.

Helpful Certifications for a Compliance Specialist

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a Compliance Specialist in InfoSec/Cyber Security 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 are recognized globally and cover a range of skills and knowledge areas pertinent to compliance and cybersecurity.

Experience Required for a Compliance Specialist

Typically, a Compliance Specialist role requires 3 to 5 years of experience in cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field. Experience in compliance, risk management, or auditing is particularly valuable. Employers often look for candidates who have a proven track record of managing compliance programs, conducting risk assessments, and implementing security policies and procedures.

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