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Audit/Compliance Director Salary in the United States

How much does an Audit/Compliance Director make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Audit/Compliance Director in the United States is $213,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $103.

However, an Audit/Compliance Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $251,790
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $190,890 to $233,490
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $170,405
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Audit/Compliance Director Salaries

An Audit/Compliance Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Audit/Compliance Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Audit/Compliance Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Audit and Business Controls Manager (5+ years): $125,299
  • Audit and Business Controls Senior Manager (5+ years): $177,094
  • Audit/Compliance Director (5+ years): $213,382
  • VP of Audit and Business Controls (5+ years): $234,441
  • SVP of Audit and Business Controls (5+ years): $288,413
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Audit and Business Controls Manager5+ years$125,299
Audit and Business Controls Senior Manager5+ years$177,094
Audit/Compliance Director5+ years$213,382
VP of Audit and Business Controls5+ years$234,441
SVP of Audit and Business Controls5+ years$288,413
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How Do Audit/Compliance Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Audit/Compliance Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $236,290.
  • California: $235,390.
  • Massachusetts: $232,290.

Top Paying Cities for Audit/Compliance Directors

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $269,190
  • San Francisco: $266,190
  • Oakland: $260,590

Audit/Compliance Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Audit/Compliance Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $238,228. While startup companies pay approximate $201,718.

Audit/Compliance Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $201,718
Growth Stage 51~500 $213,292
Established 501~5000 $230,028
Enterprise 5000+ $238,228

Audit/Compliance Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Audit/Compliance Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Audit/Compliance Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Audit/Compliance Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Audit/Compliance Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$260,336$125.022%
Biotechnology$256,068$123.020%
Software & Networking$256,068$123.020%
Aerospace & Defense$238,997$115.012%
Energy & Utilities$238,997$115.012%

Audit/Compliance Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Audit/Compliance Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$190,890
Average $213,390/year
$233,490
$15,908
Average $17,783/month
$19,458
$3,671
Average $4,104/week
$4,490
$92
Average $103/hour
$112
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $233,490 $19,458 $4,490 $112
Average $213,390 $17,783 $4,104 $103
25th Percentile $190,890 $15,908 $3,671 $92

Audit/Compliance Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Audit/Compliance Director

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Advancement

For an Audit/Compliance Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Audit and Business Controls role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $234,500 - a projected growth of 10% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Audit/Compliance Director

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Audit/Compliance Director

Here are companies hiring for Audit/Compliance Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Audit/Compliance Director

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Audit/Compliance Director?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Audit/Compliance Director roles, with salaries approximately 22% above the market median.

2. Which Big 4 pays the most in audit?

If you're aiming for the highest salary in audit, the Audit/Compliance Director position offers a range from $182,390 to $222,690, with a midpoint of $200,890. While Deloitte excels in consulting, PwC is often considered the top choice for auditing roles, potentially leading to higher earnings in this field.

3. How much does a compliance VP at Citi Bank make?

As of now, the salary for an Audit/Compliance Director ranges from $182,390 to $222,690 annually, with a midpoint of $200,890. This reflects the competitive compensation for such roles in the industry, highlighting the importance of compliance leadership in organizations.

4. What type of auditor gets paid the most?

The highest-paid auditors are typically Audit/Compliance Directors, with salaries ranging from a minimum of $182,390 to a maximum of $222,690. The average salary for this role is around $200,890, reflecting the significant responsibility and expertise required in overseeing compliance and audit functions within organizations.

5. How much do audit directors make at EY?

The estimated total pay range for an Audit/Compliance Director is approximately $182,390 to $222,690 per year, which includes base salary and additional compensation. The average base salary for this role is around $200,890 per year.

6. How much does a PwC audit director make?

The salary range for an Audit/Compliance Director is approximately $182,390 to $222,690 per year. The midpoint salary is around $200,890. This reflects the base salary and does not include additional compensation or benefits.

7. How much does a compliance director make at Capital One?

The estimated total pay range for a Compliance Director at Capital One is approximately $182K–$222K per year, based on salary data. This range reflects the minimum salary of $182,390, a mid-salary of $200,890, and a maximum salary of $222,690, encompassing base salary and potential additional compensation.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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