As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Ethics Specialist III in the United States is $103,028 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, an Ethics Specialist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Ethics 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Ethics 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics Specialist I | 0-2 years | $67,758 |
| Ethics Specialist II | 2-4 years | $84,693 |
| Ethics Specialist III | 4-7 years | $103,028 |
| Ethics Specialist IV | 7+ years | $118,387 |
| Ethics Specialist V | 7-10 years | $171,329 |
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 Specialist IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Ethics Specialist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $115,236. While startup companies pay approximate $97,455.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $97,455 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $103,074 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $111,282 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $115,236 |
For Ethics Specialist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Ethics Specialist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Pharmaceuticals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ethics Specialist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $154,542 | $74.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $144,239 | $69.0 | 40% |
| Business Services | $133,936 | $64.0 | 30% |
| Chemicals | $128,785 | $62.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $123,634 | $59.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Ethics 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Ethics 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics and Mission Integration Director | $180,544 | 75% |
| Ethics Specialist IV | $118,387 | 15% |
| Ethics and Mission Integration Director - Systems | $245,817 | 139% |
Salaries for an Ethics Specialist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $98,765 in 2023 to around $95,534 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Ethics Specialist III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $98,765 |
| 2024 | $96,759 |
| 2025 | $95,534 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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An Ethics 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, an Ethics Specialist III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Ethics Specialist III is $129,949.
The highest pay for Ethics Specialist III is $112,697.
The lowest pay for Ethics Specialist III is $90,033.
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. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Ethics Specialist III roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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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