As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Ethics Manager in the United States is $134,362 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.
However, an Ethics Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Ethics Manager'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Ethics Manager'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics Specialist IV | 7+ years | $118,385 |
| Ethics Specialist V | 7-10 years | $171,306 |
| Ethics Manager | 10+ years | $134,362 |
| Ethics Senior Manager | 10+ years | $185,788 |
| Ethics Director | 10+ years | $232,906 |
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 Ethics Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.85% |
| Data Transfer | 4.11% |
| Legal Research | 2.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Compliance
|
$150,485 |
12%
|
|
Legal Research
|
$146,455 |
9%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$141,080 |
5%
|
|
Supply Chain
|
$141,080 |
5%
|
|
Advertising
|
$139,736 |
4%
|
|
Quality Management
|
$135,706 |
1%
|
Understanding how an Ethics Manager'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Ethics Manager, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics and Mission Integration Director | $180,575 | 34% |
| Ethics Senior Manager | $185,788 | 38% |
| Ethics and Mission Integration Director - Systems | $245,716 | 83% |
Salaries for an Ethics Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $131,504 in 2023 to around $126,299 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Ethics Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $131,504 |
| 2024 | $129,407 |
| 2025 | $126,299 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Ethics Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.
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An Ethics Manager'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, an Ethics Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Ethics Manager is $169,471.
The highest pay for Ethics Manager is $156,894.
The lowest pay for Ethics Manager is $115,376.
Oversees and promotes the organization's global ethics and compliance function. Implements programs to assess and manage legal and regulatory compliance risks and establish high ethical standards of conduct for the organization. Communicates the organization's ethical standards, policies, and regulations. Delivers employee training programs that raise awareness about ethics-related topics such as Anti-Bribery, Anti-Corruption, Antitrust, Conflicts of Interest, and others. Conducts compliance monitoring, investigations, and remediations of any non-compliant actions. Manages the administration of confidential reporting systems or helplines for employees, customers, contractors, and other stakeholders to disclose violations of the organization's ethical standards, violations of law, or policies without fear of retaliation. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
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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