Quantitative Analyst vs Compliance Officer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Quantitative Analyst
Build mathematical models for pricing, risk management, and algorithmic trading.
Compliance Officer
Ensure the organisation adheres to legal and regulatory requirements.
Quantitative Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $24,920/year (31%) higher than a Compliance Officer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Quantitative Analyst vs Compliance Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Quantitative Analyst | Compliance Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $155,771 | $116,110 | Quantitative +$39,661 |
| New York, NY | $130,092 | $95,560 | Quantitative +$34,532 |
| Seattle, WA | $151,610 | $112,100 | Quantitative +$39,510 |
| Austin, TX | $116,913 | $91,160 | Quantitative +$25,753 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,324 | $87,128 | Quantitative +$26,196 |
| Boston, MA | $140,826 | $106,920 | Quantitative +$33,906 |
| London, UK | £80,687 | £64,665 | Quantitative +$16,022 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$142,880 | CA$108,867 | Quantitative +$34,013 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Quantitative Analyst or Compliance Officer earn more?+
A Quantitative Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Quantitative Analyst is $105,650/year, compared to $80,730/year for a Compliance Officer — a difference of $24,920 (31%).
Which has better career growth — Quantitative Analyst or Compliance Officer?+
Quantitative Analyst roles are growing at 18% YoY while Compliance Officer demand is growing at 18% YoY. Compliance Officer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Quantitative Analyst 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 — Quantitative Analyst or Compliance Officer?+
Quantitative Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.