Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Understanding customer needs and providing helpful, professional service.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Compliance Officer Communication skills are important for prospective compliance officers. Compliance officers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They often receive
Education
A bachelor’s degree is typically required for entry-level compliance officer jobs, although specific requirements may depend on the position. Some positions require a bachelor’s degree that is related to a particular area of compliance. For example, an environmental compliance officer may need a degree in biology or another natural science. Other common fields of study include business, social science, and engineering. Training Once hired, compliance officers typically learn on the job. For example, they might learn about relevant policies and regulations and how to identify and handle issues that arise. Other Experience Compliance officers may enter the occupation through a variety of paths. Candidates seeking to become compliance officers in a particular industry may need or benefit from having experience in that industry. College students may gain practical experience by participating in internships while they are in school. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a legal background or experience with auditing or related tasks.
Training
on the job. Employers may prefer or require candidates to have experience related to the position.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Some compliance officers, such as those involved with regulations related to asbestos or other hazardous substances, might need a state-issued license. Check with your state licensing agency for more information. Earning professional certification may be helpful for some workers. Certification demonstrates that an individual has attained a certain level of competency or expertise.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of compliance officers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 32,700 openings for compliance officers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Demand for compliance officers will stem from the need for businesses and government agencies to comply with various laws and regulations. Compliance officers will be needed to understand the complexities of these regulations and to help their employers avoid the costs associated with noncompliance. Compliance Officers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Business operations specialists 6% Compliance officers 4% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Compliance Officers Do
Compliance officers make sure that people and organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Duties
Compliance officers typically do the following:
- Stay current on relevant laws and regulations and advise individuals and organizations on how to comply with them
- Develop and implement policies and procedures
- Assess compliance-related risks and find ways to reduce them
- Perform compliance audits and assessments
- Provide compliance-related training on a variety of topics
- Investigate potential violations of laws and regulations
- Document findings, recommendations, and other information
- Measure the effectiveness of compliance programs
Compliance officers must understand the rules that affect an industry and make sure that organizations and individuals follow them. They may identify compliance risks and offer guidance. They also might prepare reports, memos, and other documents.
Job tasks may vary by employer or position. For example, compliance officers who work for organizations might help businesses determine how to meet regulations and then may carry out staff trainings.
Some compliance officers provide advice on a broad range of topics. Others specialize in a particular area of compliance, such as healthcare, data protection, or the environment.
For information about other occupations in which workers focus on compliance, see the profiles on construction and building inspectors; financial examiners; occupational health and safety specialists and technicians; and tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Compliance officers held about 436,400 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of compliance officers were as follows:
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 35% |
| Finance and insurance | 12 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 9 |
| Healthcare and social assistance | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Compliance officers usually work in an office, although work settings may vary. Travel or working outdoors may be required for some jobs. For example, a compliance officer may travel to deliver onsite training or to conduct an inspection.
Work Schedules
Most compliance officers work full time, standard schedules. They sometimes need to work longer hours, such as when conducting research for an investigation.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Compliance officers must evaluate policies and rules. They also must identify risks and develop strategies for managing those risks. Communication skills. Compliance officers must be able to clearly explain information, such as when training employees or writing reports. Customer service skills. Compliance officers often answer questions and resolve concerns related to their work. Detail oriented. Compliance officers pay close attention to laws and regulations and ensure that people and organizations meet all of the necessary requirements. Interpersonal skills. Compliance officers must collaborate with others, including managers, employees, and government authorities. Organizational skills. Compliance officers must keep track of and coordinate many documents, deadlines, and tasks. Problem-solving skills. Compliance officers must be able to identify issues and determine how to overcome them.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about compliance officers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.