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Compliance officers are regulatory experts who ensure their organizations conform to all rules and laws that pertain to them. While most compliance officers conduct investigations on behalf of the government, they can also work on the corporate side of the equation reviewing and effecting policies that ensure their employers stick to the rules. Successful compliance officers have a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations that impact their fields of specialty, and that require training.

Compliance officer salaries

Compliance officers' earnings can vary tremendously by employer, experience and location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic reports that the median compliance officer salary in 2010 was $58,720, but high earners -- those in the top 10 percent -- earned in excess $94,880. Meanwhile, Salary.com reports a median compliance officer salary in 2012 ranging from $46,823 for entry-level workers to $69,760 for advanced. Compliance directors and executives earned more yet, often topping $100,000. Corporate compliance officers tend to earn more than government-employed professionals, particularly those representing the financial, oil and advertising industries.

Where you live can also impact your earnings immensely. Salaries are especially high in the northeastern region of the country where federal regulatory bodies and a number of financial operations are based. According to the BLS, the following states were among the most lucrative for compliance officers in 2010:

• Washington DC: $82,190
• Massachusetts: $74,250
• Connecticut: $72,050

Wherever you choose to live, know that you may be able to improve your earnings potential notably by simply investing in the right education.

How to become a compliance officer: Training pays

Compliance officers must have a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations governing their fields, a skill that often requires formal training through compliance officer schools and experience in the field. A bachelor's degree in compliance or a related field is usually sufficient, but an advanced degree or additional training in a related field -- like business -- may provide you with a valuable edge over career competition, not to mention higher earnings. Many new programs allow you to complete at least some of your compliance officer training online, an ideal solution for specialists who want to advance their educations (and careers) while maintaining full-time employment.

Career outlook for compliance officers

Increasing regulation and global business growth are boosting demand for compliance officers in a major way. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that demand for compliance officers will grow by 31 percent nationally between 2008 and 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. All states are expected to add compliance officers, but some may fare better than others: The DOL reports that the following states are expected to enjoy the strongest increase in demand, by percent:

• Utah: 41%
• Virginia: 37%
• Texas: 37%

The future seems bright for future compliance officers hoping to work on a more global level, too. According to Compliance Week, a number of U.S.-based corporations are expected to expand overseas, opening new doors for corporate compliance officers who are willing to familiarize themselves with the cultures and legal frameworks of other nations. Foreign language and international business courses in addition to core compliance officer training can be particularly helpful in this arena.

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