Compliance Managers

Compliance managers focus on keeping organizations aligned with legal, ethical, and industry rules. Their daily tasks center on gathering information, evaluating data to verify compliance, and documenting their findings. They spend significant time working with computers, solving complex problems, and updating their knowledge to reflect changing laws. Communication is a major part of the job, requiring these managers to share information with supervisors, colleagues, and external parties while building strong professional relationships.

This occupation appeals to individuals with conventional interests who enjoy structured, detail-oriented tasks. Success in this field requires strong skills in critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, and writing to analyze complex guidelines. Compliance managers must also possess knowledge in law and government, administration, personnel resources, and public safety to effectively guide their organizations.

Entering this career typically requires a bachelor's degree alongside several years of related work experience. Students preparing for this field often major in business administration, management and operations, criminal justice and corrections, political science and government, or health and medical administrative services. Other relevant majors include psychology, history, computer and information technology administration, and sociology.

While preparing, candidates can pursue various professional credentials to demonstrate expertise. Examples of certifications include the Associate, Insurance Regulatory Compliance, the Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer, and the Certified Professional Compliance Officer. Other options include the Certified Compliance Technician, Fair Housing Compliance, and the Principles of Ethics and Personal Leadership credential. Additionally, some states list licensing requirements for this line of work.

The median annual pay for compliance managers is $141,900, though this figure represents the broader federal category of all other managers. Within this group, the lowest 10 percent earn less than $74,300, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $238,270.

There are 622,190 people employed in this broader management category. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 4.9 percent, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth and normal turnover are expected to result in 100,900 job openings each year.