Portfolio Manager vs Compliance Officer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Portfolio Manager
Manage investment portfolios to maximise returns for clients.
Compliance Officer
Ensure the organisation adheres to legal and regulatory requirements.
Portfolio Manager earns more on average — the national median is $22,010/year (27%) higher than a Compliance Officer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Portfolio Manager vs Compliance Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Portfolio Manager | Compliance Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,713 | $116,110 | Portfolio +$35,603 |
| New York, NY | $123,694 | $95,560 | Portfolio +$28,134 |
| Seattle, WA | $146,467 | $112,100 | Portfolio +$34,367 |
| Austin, TX | $113,384 | $91,160 | Portfolio +$22,224 |
| Chicago, IL | $109,474 | $87,128 | Portfolio +$22,346 |
| Boston, MA | $136,585 | $106,920 | Portfolio +$29,665 |
| London, UK | £78,248 | £64,665 | Portfolio +$13,583 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$138,044 | CA$108,867 | Portfolio +$29,177 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Portfolio Manager or Compliance Officer earn more?+
A Portfolio Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Portfolio Manager is $102,740/year, compared to $80,730/year for a Compliance Officer — a difference of $22,010 (27%).
Which has better career growth — Portfolio Manager or Compliance Officer?+
Portfolio Manager roles are growing at 12% YoY while Compliance Officer demand is growing at 18% YoY. Compliance Officer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Portfolio Manager to Compliance Officer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Portfolio Manager or Compliance Officer?+
Portfolio Manager has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.