As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Ethics and Compliance Specialist in the United States is $80,605 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an Ethics and Compliance Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Ethics and Compliance Specialist'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 an Ethics and Compliance Specialist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| System Do... Level Ethics and Compliance Specialist | $64,537 |
| Ethics an... Level Ethics and Compliance Specialist | $79,418 |
| System Do... Level Ethics and Compliance Specialist | $93,120 |
| System Do... Level Ethics and Compliance Specialist | $117,525 |
| System Do... Level Ethics and Compliance Specialist | $102,462 |
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 and Compliance Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Ethics and Compliance Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 26% above the average. In contrast, Ethics and Compliance Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ethics and Compliance Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $101,562 | $49.0 | 26% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $87,859 | $42.0 | 9% |
| Internet | $86,247 | $41.0 | 7% |
| Healthcare | $85,441 | $41.0 | 6% |
| Software & Networking | $85,441 | $41.0 | 6% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Ethics and Compliance Specialists enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Ethics and Compliance Specialist with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $68,514 and $72,616).
Ethics and Compliance Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 23.0% |
| High School | 23.0% |
| Associates | 14.1% |
| Bachelors | 44.6% |
| Masters | 17.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.9% |
Understanding how an Ethics and Compliance Specialist'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, 2026Salaries for an Ethics and Compliance Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $82,801 in 2023 to around $82,622 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Ethics and Compliance Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $82,801 |
| 2024 | $83,329 |
| 2025 | $82,622 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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