Risk 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.
Risk Manager
Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks for organisations.
Compliance Officer
Ensure the organisation adheres to legal and regulatory requirements.
Risk 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.
Risk Manager vs Compliance Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Risk Manager | Compliance Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $145,592 | $116,110 | Risk +$29,482 |
| New York, NY | $120,107 | $95,560 | Risk +$24,547 |
| Seattle, WA | $148,730 | $112,100 | Risk +$36,630 |
| Austin, TX | $113,068 | $91,160 | Risk +$21,908 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,339 | $87,128 | Risk +$26,211 |
| Boston, MA | $131,487 | $106,920 | Risk +$24,567 |
| London, UK | £78,848 | £64,665 | Risk +$14,183 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$137,878 | CA$108,867 | Risk +$29,011 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Risk Manager or Compliance Officer earn more?+
A Risk Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Risk 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 — Risk Manager or Compliance Officer?+
Risk Manager roles are growing at 16% YoY while Compliance Officer demand is growing at 18% YoY. Compliance Officer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Risk 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 — Risk Manager or Compliance Officer?+
Risk Manager has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.