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Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Salary in the United States

How much does a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance in the United States is $178,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $86.

However, a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $209,440
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $165,600 to $194,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $154,037
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Salaries

A Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance'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 Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance'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:

  • Permitting/Licensing Specialist IV (7+ years): $131,325
  • Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance (7+ years): $151,166
  • Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance (7+ years): $178,259
  • Director of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance (7+ years): $201,660
  • Head of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance (7+ years): $299,195
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Permitting/Licensing Specialist IV7+ years$131,325
Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance7+ years$151,166
Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance7+ years$178,259
Director of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance7+ years$201,660
Head of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance7+ years$299,195
View as Graph

How Do Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance 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 Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliances. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $197,400.
  • California: $196,700.
  • Massachusetts: $194,000.

Top Paying Cities for Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliances

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: $224,900
  • San Francisco: $222,400
  • Oakland: $217,700

What Skills Can Increase a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 10.02% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Drug Development (Mentioned in 1.82% Job Postings): The process of bringing a new drug molecule into clinical practice. In its broadest definition this encompasses all steps from the basic research process of finding a suitable molecular target to supporting the commercial launch of the drug.
  • Pharmaceutical Industry (Mentioned in 1.18% Job Postings): The pharmaceutical industry is defined as the discovery, development, and manufacture of drugs and medications. It's widespread, including research, chemicals, and the regulation and involvement of government agencies.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 10.02%
Drug Development 1.82%
Pharmaceutical Industry 1.18%
See More Skills

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 Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance's salary.

  • Business Development: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Due Diligence: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Product Development: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Business Development $190,781
7%
Due Diligence $190,781
7%
Product Development $190,781
7%
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Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $199,053. While startup companies pay approximate $168,548.

Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $168,548
Growth Stage 51~500 $178,218
Established 501~5000 $192,202
Enterprise 5000+ $199,053

Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$231,790$111.030%
Biotechnology$222,875$107.025%
Pharmaceuticals$213,960$103.020%
Software & Networking$210,394$101.018%
Internet$199,696$96.012%

How Education impacts a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliances enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance with a Bachelor's Degree is between $167,652 and $180,710).

Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.0%
High School 2.0%
Associates 2.0%
Bachelors 29.1%
Masters 41.1%
Doctorate 25.8%
View as Graph

Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance'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
$165,600
Average $178,300/year
$194,600
$13,800
Average $14,858/month
$16,217
$3,185
Average $3,429/week
$3,742
$80
Average $86/hour
$94
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $194,600 $16,217 $3,742 $94
Average $178,300 $14,858 $3,429 $86
25th Percentile $165,600 $13,800 $3,185 $80

Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Salary Growth & Career Path

Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance, 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Compliance Documentation Director $197,800 11%
Director of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance $201,700 13%
Product Regulations Director $197,800 11%

Most common benefits for Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance

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

Common company salaries for Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance

Here are companies hiring for Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary of a senior manager?

The highest salary for a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance is $206,000 per year. In the United States, salaries for this role typically range from a minimum of $158,800 to a midpoint of $180,600, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the position.

3. How much do Regulatory Affairs managers make in the US?

Regulatory Affairs Managers in the US typically earn between $158,800 and $206,000 annually, with a median salary around $180,600. This reflects the growing demand for expertise in regulatory compliance and the complexity of the role.

4. What is the highest position in regulatory affairs?

The highest position in regulatory affairs is typically the Vice President. Career progression often includes roles such as Regulatory Officer, Senior Associate, Manager, Senior Manager, Director, and Senior Director. For a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance, salaries range from $158,800 to $206,000, with a midpoint of $180,600.

5. How much does Pfizer regulatory affairs pay in the US?

Pfizer's salary for a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance in the US ranges from a minimum of $158,800 to a maximum of $206,000, with a midpoint of $180,600. This reflects competitive compensation in the industry, ensuring that skilled professionals are rewarded appropriately for their expertise and responsibilities.

6. How much does a director of regulatory affairs make in the US?

As of January 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance in the United States is approximately $180,600. Salaries typically range from $158,800 to $206,000, with most professionals earning within this range.

7. Is a senior manager higher than a lead?

A Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance generally holds a higher position than a lead role. While a lead may indicate a lower supervisory level, a senior manager is responsible for significant duties and decision-making. Salaries for this position range from $158,800 to $206,000, reflecting its seniority and importance within the organization.

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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