A compliance manager ensures that organizations follow laws, regulations, and internal policies. You evaluate information against standards, communicate findings to leadership, and solve problems that arise. The work requires a bachelor's degree and strong analytical skills.
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Compliance managers evaluate information to determine whether organizations meet legal and regulatory standards. You get information from various sources, communicate findings with supervisors and teams, and document your work carefully. You use computers to track compliance data and make decisions about how to address gaps. You also monitor ongoing operations and solve problems that threaten compliance. The role draws on knowledge of law, government regulations, administration, and human resources.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Compliance Managers earn a median of $141,900 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 106,700 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You will need a bachelor's degree to enter this field. The role falls into Job Zone 4, which means considerable preparation and experience are expected. During your education, develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and active listening. Many people move into compliance management after working in related fields like administration, human resources, or regulatory affairs, where you can build domain knowledge and demonstrate your ability to handle complex requirements.
Most compliance managers come from administrative, legal, or human resources backgrounds. If you are exploring whether this path fits your timeline and interests, Pathly can map the compliance manager path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a realistic plan.
You do not need a license to work as a compliance manager, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are detail-oriented, methodical, and comfortable with rules and systems. You like organizing information, following procedures, and ensuring accuracy. You prefer structure and clear standards.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).