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Compliance Specialist II Salary in the United States

How much does a Compliance Specialist II make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Compliance Specialist II in the United States is $76,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

However, a Compliance Specialist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $88,435
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,355 to $82,728
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $60,976

Key Factors That Influence Compliance Specialist II Salaries

A Compliance Specialist II'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Compliance Specialist II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Compliance Specialist II'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:

  • Compliance Specialist I (0-2 years): $63,987
  • Compliance Specialist II (2-4 years): $76,460
  • Compliance Specialist III (4-7 years): $94,943
  • Compliance Specialist IV (7+ years): $118,060
  • Compliance Specialist V (7-10 years): $159,812
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Compliance Specialist I0-2 years$63,987
Compliance Specialist II2-4 years$76,460
Compliance Specialist III4-7 years$94,943
Compliance Specialist IV7+ years$118,060
Compliance Specialist V7-10 years$159,812

Top Paying Cities for Compliance Specialist II

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: $96,439
  • San Francisco: $95,383
  • Oakland: $93,373

What Skills Can Increase a Compliance Specialist II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 5.07% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Financial Services (Mentioned in 1.82% Job Postings): A services provided by the finance industry, which encompasses a broad range of businesses that manage money. These services involve banking, brokerage, mortgages, credit cards, payment services, real estate, investment funds, taxes and accounting.
  • Compliance Monitoring (Mentioned in 1.48% Job Postings): Ensuring that the staff is following all policies and procedures in our business.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 5.07%
Financial Services 1.82%
Compliance Monitoring 1.48%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Compliance Specialist II's salary.

  • Trading: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Financial Services: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Due Diligence: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Trading $87,164
14%
Financial Services $81,812
7%
Due Diligence $81,048
6%

Compliance Specialist II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Compliance Specialist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $85,593. While startup companies pay approximate $72,409.

Compliance Specialist II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $72,409
Growth Stage 51~500 $76,581
Established 501~5000 $82,655
Enterprise 5000+ $85,593

Compliance Specialist II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Compliance Specialist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Compliance Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Compliance Specialist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Compliance Specialist II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$95,575$46.025%
Healthcare$91,752$44.020%
Energy & Utilities$87,929$42.015%
Software & Networking$87,929$42.015%
Aerospace & Defense$84,106$40.010%

How Education impacts an Compliance Specialist II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Compliance Specialist II enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Compliance Specialist II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $76,165 and $81,133.

Compliance Specialist II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Compliance Specialist II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 13.7%
Associates 7.7%
Bachelors 50.1%
Masters 14.6%
Doctorate 13.3%

Compliance Specialist II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Compliance Specialist II'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 August 01, 2026
$68,355
Average $76,460/year
$82,728
$5,696
Average $6,372/month
$6,894
$1,315
Average $1,470/week
$1,591
$33
Average $37/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $82,728 $6,894 $1,591 $40
Average $76,460 $6,372 $1,470 $37
25th Percentile $68,355 $5,696 $1,315 $33

Compliance Specialist II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Compliance Specialist II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Compliance Specialist II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Compliance Specialist III $94,943 24%
International Compliance Specialist III $113,880 49%

Most common benefits for Compliance Specialist II

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

Common company salaries for Compliance Specialist II

Here are companies hiring for Compliance Specialist II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Compliance Specialist II

1. Where can a Compliance Specialist II earn the most?

A Compliance Specialist II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Compliance Specialist II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Compliance Specialist II is $96,439.

2. What is the highest pay for Compliance Specialist II?

The highest pay for Compliance Specialist II is $88,435.

3. What is the lowest pay for Compliance Specialist II?

The lowest pay for Compliance Specialist II is $60,976.

4. What are the responsibilities of Compliance Specialist II?

Supports the development and implementation of compliance programs, policies, reporting, and practices for an organization or business. Monitors activities impacted by regulatory requirements related to the organization's governance and any industry-specific or location-specific laws. Utilizes established internal controls and auditing systems to identify, detect, and correct noncompliance. Implements changes to compliance processes due to new or amended regulations. Prepares and updates communication materials. Assists with training initiatives that inform stakeholders about compliance requirements. Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Compliance Specialist II?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Compliance Specialist II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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