Compliance Officer Salary in San Diego
2026 compensation data for Compliance Officer positions in San Diego, CA. Ranges from $54,000 (entry-level) to $155,000 (senior). Median: $95,000.
Median (Mid)
$95,000
$45.67/hr
vs National
-4%
US: $99,000
COL Index
140
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$155,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $54,000 | $62,000 | $72,000 | $29.81/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $81,000 | $95,000 | $112,000 | $45.67/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $118,000 | $134,000 | $155,000 | $64.42/hr |
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A mid-level compliance officer earning $95,000 in San Diego has the same buying power as $68,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 140).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Compliance Officer Salaries in San Diego
Develop and enforce regulatory compliance programs, conduct risk assessments, and ensure organizational adherence to laws and standards. This page covers compliance officer compensation specifically in San Diego, CA.
The median compliance officer salary in San Diego, CA is $95,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 4% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 140 (national average = 100), San Diego offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level compliance officers in San Diego can expect to earn between $54,000 and $72,000 (about $29.81/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $155,000 ($155K annually, or about $74.52/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions: Compliance Officer Salary in San Diego
What is the average Compliance Officer salary in San Diego?+
The average Compliance Officer salary in San Diego is $95,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $62,000 and senior-level pay reaches $134,000.
How much does an entry-level compliance officer make in San Diego?+
Entry-level compliance officers in San Diego earn between $54,000 and $72,000, with a median of $62,000 per year (about $29.81/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Compliance Officer in San Diego?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Compliance Officer in San Diego earns roughly $29.81/hour at entry-level, $45.67/hour at mid-level, and $64.42/hour at senior-level.
Is the Compliance Officer salary in San Diego higher than the US average?+
Compliance Officer salaries in San Diego are about 4% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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