Compliance Officers vs Computer Programmers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $20,250 more per year than Compliance Officers professionals — that's 25.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Compliance Officers earns $130,030 compared to $162,090 for Computer Programmers.
Salary Range Comparison
Compliance Officers$46,230 – $130,030
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
$46,230$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Compliance Officers | Computer Programmers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,230 | $52,190 | $-5,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,130 | $71,860 | $-12,730 |
| Median (50th) | $78,420 | $98,670 | $-20,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,800 | $128,960 | $-24,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $130,030 | $162,090 | $-32,060 |
| Mean (Average) | $84,980 | $103,640 | $-18,660 |
Employment Numbers
Compliance Officers
397,770
employed nationwide
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Compliance Officers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $118,490 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $104,000 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $102,500 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $98,190 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $96,280 |
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Compliance Officers or Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $20,250 (25.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Compliance Officers?
Compliance Officers salaries range from $46,230 (10th percentile) to $130,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $78,420.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
How many Compliance Officers and Computer Programmers jobs are there?
There are approximately 397,770 Compliance Officers positions and 109,870 Computer Programmers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Programmers to Compliance Officers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Compliance Officers has a median salary of $78,420 while Computer Programmers earns $98,670. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS