How Much Does a Director of Legal and Compliance make?

Director of Legal and Compliance made a median salary around $184,342 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $205,726 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $166,166. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $166,166 10% $149,617 90% $225,195 75% $205,726 $184,342 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for Director of Legal and Compliance

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Director of Legal and Compliance profession are Elora , Flintville , Taft , Cornersville , Dellrose .
Elora, TN $189,590
Flintville, TN $189,590
Taft, TN $189,590
Cornersville, TN $189,373
Dellrose, TN $189,373

Best-Paying States for Director of Legal and Compliance

The states and districts that pay Director of Legal and Compliance the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $218,410) , California (around $217,581) , Massachusetts (around $214,681) , Washington (around $213,892) , and New Jersey (around $213,814) .
District of Columbia $218,410
California $217,581
Massachusetts $214,681
Washington $213,892
New Jersey $213,814

What is the Career Path of Director of Legal and Compliance?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

The first career path typically progresses to VP of Compliance.
Besides, Director of Legal and Compliance can also turn to other related jobs, including Legal Compliance Officer , Legal and Compliance Manager , Legal Compliance Analyst and Legal And Compliance Analyst .

Frequently Asked Questions for Director of Legal and Compliance

Q: What is the salary range of Director of Legal and Compliance in Tennessee?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Director of Legal and Compliance in Tennessee earned an average annual salary of $166,166 , while the highest-paid made $205,726.
Q: What is the salary for a Director of Legal and Compliance in California?
A: Director of Legal and Compliance employed in California earned an average salary of $217,581 in 2025.

Average Director of Legal and Compliance Pay vs. Other Jobs

Director of Legal and Compliance earned an average salary of $184,342 in 2025. Other jobs related to Director of Legal and Compliance earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Legal Compliance Officer made $90,076 , Legal and Compliance Manager made $157,475 , Legal Compliance Analyst and Legal And Compliance Analyst made $70,634 and $70,634 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Director of Legal and Compliance

Legal Compliance Officer - Average Salary $90,076
There is currently no job description for Legal Compliance Officer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Legal Compliance Officer.
Legal and Compliance Manager - Average Salary $157,475
The Legal and Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring that the company operates within the legal and regulatory framework. They are responsible for developing and implementing compliance programs, policies, and procedures to ensure that the company complies with all applicable laws and regulations. They also provide legal advice and support to the company on a wide range of legal issues, including contracts, employment law, intellectual property, and corporate governance. Additionally, they are responsible for conducting internal investigations, managing external legal counsel, and representing the company in legal proceedings. The Legal and Compliance Manager plays a crucial role in mitigating legal and regulatory risks and ensuring the company's continued success and reputation.
Legal Compliance Analyst - Average Salary $70,634
There is currently no job description for Legal Compliance Analyst, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Legal Compliance Analyst.
Legal And Compliance Analyst - Average Salary $70,634
There is currently no job description for Legal And Compliance Analyst, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Legal And Compliance Analyst.
Director of Ethics and Compliance - Average Salary $205,990
The Director of Ethics and Compliance designs and develops programs to assess and manage legal and regulatory compliance risks and to establish high ethical standards of conduct for the organization. Develops, directs, and promotes the organization's global ethics and compliance function. Being a Director of Ethics and Compliance communicates the organization's ethical standards with messaging and deliver employee training programs that raise awareness about ethics-related topics such as Anti-Bribery, Anti-Corruption, Antitrust, Conflicts of Interest, and others. Ensures that policies reflect domestic and international legal requirements and industry-specific codes governing ethical standards and comply with transparency reporting requirements. In addition, Director of Ethics and Compliance monitors compliance with policies and investigates and remediates any non-compliant actions. Responsible for maintaining confidential reporting systems allowing employees, customers, contractors, and other stakeholders to disclose violations of the organization's ethical standards, violations of law, or policies without fear of retaliation. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. May require the Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP)certification. Typically reports to top management. The Director of Ethics and Compliance manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Working as a Director of Ethics and Compliance typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.