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Ethics Specialist II Salary in the United States

How much does an Ethics Specialist II make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Ethics Specialist II in the United States is $84,697 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $98,855
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $78,884 to $92,108
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $73,592
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Key Factors That Influence Ethics Specialist II Salaries

An Ethics 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Ethics Specialist II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Ethics 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:

  • Ethics Specialist I (0-2 years): $67,759
  • Ethics Specialist II (2-4 years): $84,697
  • Ethics Specialist III (4-7 years): $103,032
  • Ethics Specialist IV (7+ years): $118,388
  • Ethics Specialist V (7-10 years): $171,341
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Ethics Specialist I0-2 years$67,759
Ethics Specialist II2-4 years$84,697
Ethics Specialist III4-7 years$103,032
Ethics Specialist IV7+ years$118,388
Ethics Specialist V7-10 years$171,341
View as Graph

How Do Ethics Specialist IIs 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 Ethics Specialist IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $93,777.
  • California: $93,421.
  • Massachusetts: $92,176.

Top Paying Cities for Ethics 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: $106,828
  • San Francisco: $105,659
  • Oakland: $103,432

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

Ethics Specialist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $94,813. While startup companies pay approximate $80,210.

Ethics Specialist II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $80,210
Growth Stage 51~500 $84,831
Established 501~5000 $91,559
Enterprise 5000+ $94,813

Ethics Specialist II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Ethics Specialist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 87% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Ethics Specialist positions in Transportation or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ethics Specialist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Ethics Specialist II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$114,341$55.035%
Pharmaceuticals$110,106$53.030%
Internet$101,636$49.020%
Financial Services$99,942$48.018%
Biotechnology$94,861$46.012%

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

Understanding how an Ethics 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
$78,884
Average $84,697/year
$92,108
$6,574
Average $7,058/month
$7,676
$1,517
Average $1,629/week
$1,771
$38
Average $41/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $92,108 $7,676 $1,771 $44
Average $84,697 $7,058 $1,629 $41
25th Percentile $78,884 $6,574 $1,517 $38

Ethics Specialist II Salary Growth & Career Path

Ethics Specialist II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Ethics 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Clinical Ethicist $115,595 36%
Ethics Specialist III $103,032 22%
Ethics and Mission Integration Director - Systems $245,867 190%
Ethics & Compliance Training Specialist $96,789 14%

Most common benefits for Ethics Specialist II

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

Common company salaries for Ethics Specialist II

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

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FAQ about Ethics Specialist II

1. Where can an Ethics Specialist II earn the most?

An Ethics 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, an Ethics Specialist II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Ethics Specialist II is $106,828.

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

The highest pay for Ethics Specialist II is $98,855.

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

The lowest pay for Ethics Specialist II is $73,592.

4. What are the responsibilities of Ethics Specialist II?

Supports and coordinates the activities of the organization's global ethics and compliance function. Assists with the delivery and maintenance of programs to assess and manage legal and regulatory compliance risks and establish high ethical standards of conduct for the organization. Prepares materials that communicate the organization's ethical standards, policies, and regulations. Supports or delivers employee training programs that raise awareness about ethics-related topics such as Anti-Bribery, Anti-Corruption, Antitrust, Conflicts of Interest, and others. Generates reports of compliance monitoring statistics, investigations, outcomes, and remediations of any non-compliant actions. May administer 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. May require a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. 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 Ethics Specialist II?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Ethics Specialist II roles, with salaries approximately 35% 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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