Regulatory Affairs Specialists

People in this career coordinate internal audits, inspections, license renewals, and registrations. Day-to-day tasks involve evaluating information to determine compliance with standards, gathering data, and updating relevant knowledge. These specialists work extensively with computers to document information and compile materials for regulatory submissions. They must communicate regulatory meanings to colleagues and external organizations, which requires strong skills in active listening, reading comprehension, speaking, and writing.

This role suits individuals with conventional interests who enjoy structured, detail-oriented tasks. Success in this field requires critical thinking, complex problem solving, and sound judgment. Key knowledge areas include law and government, administration, English language, and computers. Depending on the industry, specialists may also need a background in biology, medicine, or engineering. Essential work styles include high attention to detail, dependability, integrity, and cautiousness when interpreting complex rules.

Entering this career typically requires a bachelor's degree. Because this occupation requires considerable preparation, most professionals also need several years of related work experience before they are hired.

Students can prepare for this field by choosing college majors such as health and medical administrative services, public health, human resources management, environmental geosciences, natural resources conservation, or criminal justice. While not always mandatory, professionals can earn specialized credentials to demonstrate their expertise. Examples of relevant certifications include the Associate in Regulation and Compliance from The Institutes, the Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector credential from EnviroCert International, Inc., and the Certified Information Privacy Professional - Europe credential from the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

The median annual pay for regulatory affairs specialists is $80,730. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $48,220, while the highest 10% earn more than $133,720. These salary figures represent the broader Bureau of Labor Statistics group for compliance officers.

There are 417,070 people employed in this field. Employment is projected to grow by 3.8% from 2025 to 2035, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in 32,700 job openings each year.