As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Ethics Officer in the United States is $277,213 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $133.
However, an Ethics Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Ethics Officer'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 Officer'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 |
|---|---|
| Ethics Sp... Level Ethics Officer | $175,081 |
| Ethics Ma... Level Ethics Officer | $137,309 |
| Ethics Se... Level Ethics Officer | $189,899 |
| Ethics Di... Level Ethics Officer | $238,083 |
| Ethics Of... Level Ethics Officer | $275,977 |
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 Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Ethics Officer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 48% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Ethics Officer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ethics Officer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $332,656 | $160.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $318,795 | $153.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $318,795 | $153.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $313,251 | $151.0 | 13% |
| Financial Services | $304,934 | $147.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Ethics Officer'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 Officer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $226,109 in 2023 to around $221,453 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Ethics Officer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $226,109 |
| 2024 | $226,460 |
| 2025 | $221,453 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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