Compliance officers play a crucial role across sectors like corporate banking and fintech, with salaries typically ranging from £40,000 to £70,000 annually, according to the Compliance Professionals 2025 Salary Guide. This article will help hiring managers accurately gain insights into current market trends for compliance officer roles.
What is the Average Compliance Officer Salary in the UK?
The average compliance officer salary in the UK is approximately £33,528 per year, according to Indeed. While the average salary for compliance officers working in the UK sits around £33,528, actual pay varies widely depending on experience, location and sector.
Experience Level | Average Salary (£) |
Entry-level (0–1 year) | £24,130 – £26,598 |
Early career (1–4 yrs) | £29,449 – £32,500 |
Mid-level (5+ yrs) | £35,000 – £45,000 |
Senior/Experienced | £50,000 – £70,000 |
Nationally, entry-level roles start between £24,130 and £27,000, with trainees and juniors typically earning up to £29,000. Mid-level professionals land in the £29,000 – £35,000 range, while senior officers can earn £70,000 or more. This is especially true in high-pressure, regulated industries.
Company Size | Average Salary (£) |
Startups/Small Enterprises | £25,000 – £35,000 |
Medium Enterprises | £30,000 – £45,000 |
Large Enterprises/Corporations | £40,000 – £70,000 |
Larger companies tend to offer stronger packages overall. In contrast, smaller firms or nonprofits may operate at the lower end of the scale.
Meanwhile, the industry average varies from one sector to another. Roles in banking and finance range between £40,000 and £70,000, while roles in insurance, financial crime and investment banking can rise significantly. In fact, investment banking or fintech senior compliance professionals can earn upwards of £80,000 – £120,000.
Industry | Average Salary (£) |
Banking & Finance | £40,000 – £70,000 |
Insurance | £35,000 – £55,000 |
Fintech | £40,000 – £60,000 |
In short, salaries grow significantly with experience, with the biggest jumps seen in regulated industries and financially driven specialisations.
Regional Differences in Compliance Officer Salaries
As usual, compliance salaries in the UK are the highest in London. Remote roles have opened up access to better pay in unlikely areas, but London still sets the benchmark when it comes to top-tier compensation in compliance.
Region | Average Salary (£) |
London | £43,111 |
St Helens | £36,799 |
Birmingham | £33,065 |
Manchester | £33,856 |
Cardiff | £26,056 |
Liverpool | £30,697 |
Scotland | £37,150 |
London leads the way when it comes to compliance officer salaries, with averages typically landing around £43,111. Senior roles regularly push past the £70,000 mark. That premium reflects the city’s status as a global financial hub packed with banks and investment firms.
That said, remote work has changed the game. Employers are no longer restricted to hiring talent within commuting distance of London. While some remote roles are aligned with local salary benchmarks, many still follow London pay scales, especially for specialists or senior hires.
This opens up opportunities for candidates in lower-cost regions to earn well above their local average. That said, the London premium still holds strong for most high-value roles.
What is a Realistic Senior Compliance Officer UK Salary?
At the top end of the compliance career ladder, salaries can be substantial. Global heads of compliance in major financial institutions can earn up to £375,000, while directors and heads of compliance typically fall within the £130,000 to £200,000 range.
These roles come with high expectations that are non-negotiable, such as:
- Extensive experience
- Advanced qualification
- Strong leadership skills
They’re also usually paired with generous bonuses and executive-level perks, reflecting the weight of responsibility that comes with shaping compliance teams that ensure compliance across the company.
The highest-paying compliance officer roles in the UK are typically found within large financial institutions, multinational corporations and highly regulated sectors like banking and investment management. These aren’t your everyday positions – they sit at the core of strategic decision-making and demand deep technical knowledge, leadership and experience.
Skills Required for Top Compliance Officer Salaries
To earn at the higher end of the scale in a compliance job title, candidates need a solid grasp of UK, and perhaps even international, regulations, like FCA and MiFID.
Senior roles often demand:
- Strong leadership
- Confidence dealing with boards
- A clear strategic mindset
- Experience handling regulatory change
- Experience handling risk frameworks
- Certifications like the ICA Diploma, ACAMS or a relevant legal qualification
- A deep understanding of compliance issues, such as ensuring document compliance and how they impact business operations.
Perks and Benefits at the Top
Top-tier compliance professionals are usually rewarded with more than just a competitive salary. Performance bonuses are standard along with share options, LTIPs and executive perks like car allowances and flexible schedules.
Private healthcare, enhanced pension schemes, and generous leave packages are also common.
Roles that involve ensuring alignment with legal requirements often include professional development budgets and international travel to stay up to date with relevant laws and industry trends.
These roles pay well because they demand influence and accountability, and the kind of perks offered reflect the level of responsibility expected.
What Factors Influence Compliance Officer Salaries?
Several factors play into how much a compliance officer earns. Understanding these can help employers make informed offers and help candidates benchmark where they stand.
- Company size: Larger, more established firms typically offer higher salaries due to the complexity and scale of their compliance needs. Startups or smaller firms may offer less, but sometimes balance that out with equity or broader responsibilities.
- Industry: Compliance professionals in financial services or fintech tend to require higher salaries due to the strict regulatory compliance landscape. Healthcare, energy and legal sectors often follow suit for the same reason.
- Skills and Technical Expertise: Those with a deep understanding of risk management frameworks, data privacy laws, or regulatory change management tend to be valued higher. The more specialised their knowledge, the higher their earning potential.
- Membership in a Professional Body: Names like the International Compliance Association (ICA) or the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) can boost earning power. It signals credibility and commitment to staying up to date with industry best practices.
- Qualifications and Certifications: ICA diplomas, ACAMS, or legal credentials often lead to more senior, better-paid roles. In some cases, they’re even listed as mandatory for mid to senior-level openings.
- Compliance Tools and Software: Whether GRC platforms, regulatory reporting tools, or case management systems, knowledge of software can give candidates a competitive edge, especially in tech-driven environments.
Together, these factors create a broad spectrum of salary potential depending on how many boxes a candidate ticks.
How to Determine a Competitive Compliance Officer Salary
Determining a competitive salary for a compliance officer needs to align with what top talent expects and what your business can sustain. Here are some tips to help hiring managers find that balance.
- Use Updated Salary Data: Start by checking reliable sources like the Compliance Professionals Salary Guide, industry reports and job boards. Look at salary trends by sector, location, and seniority to get a realistic view of what’s competitive. If you want a more sophisticated view of the market, salary benchmarking tools might be helpful.
- Don’t Forget Total Compensation: Salary is just one piece of the puzzle. Bonuses, equity, professional development budgets, and private healthcare can all make a role more attractive.
- Company Size and Budget: If you’re in the early stage, offer flexibility, clear growth paths and impactful work alongside competitive pay. Candidates often value meaningful roles and company culture just as much as compensation.
- Tailor to Experience and Skillset: Someone with specialist regulation knowledge, certifications or niche industry experience will expect more. Make sure your offer reflects the unique value they bring.
- Work with Experienced Recruiters: Consider partnering with data recruitment experts like Live Digital. We know the data recruitment industry inside out and can help companies navigate salary benchmarking, job responsibilities and role scoping to create competitive, strategic offers. We understand how to position roles in ways that resonate with compliance professionals and stand out in a competitive market.
FAQs about Compliance Officer Salaries
Are compliance officers well paid?
Yes, especially in financial services. Mid-level roles often earn £35,000 – £45,000, with senior positions reaching well over £100,000 in larger firms.
What companies tend to hire compliance officers?
Banks, fintechs, insurance firms, asset managers, legal consultancies, and any business operating in a regulated sector.
Are compliance officers in demand?
Absolutely. With evolving regulations and increased risk concerns, demand has been consistently strong across multiple industries.
What is the typical career path for a compliance officer?
You usually start as analysts or trainees, move into officer or manager roles and progress into senior management, director or head of compliance positions.
Is compliance a high-paying job?
In the right industry or in more senior roles, the pay increases significantly. In essence, it can be!
Is compliance a stressful job?
It can be. This role often comes with high responsibility, tight deadlines and pressure to get things done right, especially in regulated environments.
Get Help Hiring for Your Next Compliance Officer
Need to hire a top-tier compliance officer? Live Digital is a data recruitment agency specialising in placing proven compliance talent fast. Don’t wait! Reach out now and let us help you secure the right candidate before your competitors do.
