As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Protection Officer in the United States is $173,032 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.
However, a Data Protection Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Data Protection 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Data Protection Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.66% |
| Cybersecurity | 2.99% |
| Information Sciences | 1.58% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Creative Thinking
|
$209,369 |
21%
|
|
HIPAA Compliance
|
$198,987 |
15%
|
|
Managed Care
|
$195,526 |
13%
|
|
Information Governance
|
$188,605 |
9%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$186,875 |
8%
|
|
Audit Documentation
|
$186,875 |
8%
|
For Data Protection Officer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Data Protection Officer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Protection Officer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $207,638 | $100.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $207,638 | $100.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $198,987 | $96.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $198,987 | $96.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $190,335 | $92.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Data Protection Officers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Data Protection Officer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $169,549 and $182,797).
Data Protection Officer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.6% |
| High School | 5.6% |
| Associates | 2.8% |
| Bachelors | 36.1% |
| Masters | 33.3% |
| Doctorate | 22.2% |
Understanding how a Data Protection 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Data Protection Officer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $157,444 in 2023 to around $150,830 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Data Protection Officer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $157,444 |
| 2024 | $153,643 |
| 2025 | $150,830 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Protection Officer roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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