How much does a compliance officer make?

In the U.S., pay differs by industry, employer, and location. Experience and useful certifications can help people qualify for specialized jobs, and investigations sometimes mean longer hours, though most officers work standard schedules.

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere. Excludes “Financial Examiners" (13-2061), “Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents” (13-2081), “Occupational Health and Safety Specialists” (19-5011), “Occupational Health and Safety Technicians” (19-5012), “Transportation Security Screeners” (33-9093), “Agricultural Inspectors” (45-2011), “Construction and Building Inspectors” (47-4011), and “Transportation Inspectors” (53-6051).

What's a typical day like?

They check records against the rules, talk with people, and investigate possible problems. Then they write up what they found and suggest fixes; some also teach staff or inspect a workplace.

In the U.S., most start with a bachelor’s degree; a major linked to their chosen industry or a college internship can help. They learn on the job, and some specialties need a state license; professional certification may help too.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling.

Some U.S. compliance officers travel to workplaces to teach staff or conduct inspections, and some jobs even require outdoor work.