As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Compliance Specialist III in the United States is $94,904 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Compliance Specialist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Compliance Specialist III'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Compliance Specialist III'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance Specialist I | 0-2 years | $63,992 |
| Compliance Specialist II | 2-4 years | $76,471 |
| Compliance Specialist III | 4-7 years | $94,904 |
| Compliance Specialist IV | 7+ years | $118,063 |
| Compliance Specialist V | 7-10 years | $159,783 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Compliance Specialist IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Risk Management | 7.03% |
| Financial Services | 2.02% |
| PowerPoint | 1.63% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Trading
|
$102,496 |
8%
|
|
Presentation
|
$101,547 |
7%
|
|
Operational Risk
|
$101,547 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$99,649 |
5%
|
|
Business Process Management
|
$99,649 |
5%
|
|
Financial Services
|
$99,649 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Compliance Specialist IIIs 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 Compliance Specialist III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $93,648 and $99,759).
Compliance Specialist III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 11.3% |
| Associates | 7.0% |
| Bachelors | 46.6% |
| Masters | 20.7% |
| Doctorate | 13.4% |
Understanding how a Compliance Specialist III'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 March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Compliance Specialist III, 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 Specialist IV | $118,063 | 24% |
| International Compliance Specialist IV | $132,044 | 39% |
| Compliance Investigation Manager | $158,104 | 67% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Compliance Specialist III and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Compliance Specialist III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Compliance Specialist III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Compliance Specialist III is $119,702.
The highest pay for Compliance Specialist III is $116,872.
The lowest pay for Compliance Specialist III is $69,854.
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. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
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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