Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) Salaries Increased Nearly 3% in 2025; 56% of all CCOs Consider a Job Search in Coming Year; Female CCOs Paid a Higher Base Salary but Lower Total Compensation than Male Counterparts
BarkerGilmore LLC — The nation’s only executive search, coaching and advisory firm announced its 2025 Chief Compliance Officer Compensation Report.
According to the firm’s Managing Partner, John Gilmore, “This year’s compensation survey of nearly 300 Chief Compliance Officers reflects a modest 2.7% increase in median salaries, as well as some interesting insights into compliance market dynamics. Notably, the 2025 increase in pay was lower than the 5.1% bump in 2024, which may account for 56% of CCO respondents who indicated an interest in seeking new opportunities in the coming year, mainly for better compensation and benefits.”
Mr. Gilmore noted that 39% of CCO respondents were either “very” or “somewhat” concerned about job security. “This is consistent with an industry flash poll we conducted in April, where 35% of 400 compliance professionals at all levels felt the job market was either consistently or increasingly negative over the past 6 months. This suggests the current economic environment is of concern to compliance professionals, despite the essential role their function plays at most companies.”
“Offsetting near-term job concern,” according to Mr. Gilmore, “the longer-term outlook for the profession is extremely positive, based on our survey, recent polling, and search assignments.” He noted that 69% of CCOs said they are viewed as “Trusted Advisors” by their Executive Leadership Team, or reported their guidance is always followed. Additionally, despite market uncertainty and resource constraints, nearly 73% of compliance professionals reported they would pursue compliance again as a career if they started over, according to the firm’s industry poll.
Highlights of BarkerGilmore’s report include:
Chief Compliance Officer median salaries increased by 2.7% in 2025, a decline from 5.1% in 2024. The largest salary increases by industry, both at 3.4%, were at Industrial and Technology companies.
Cash bonuses were paid at 88% of their target, relatively unchanged from the prior year. CCOs were paid an average bonus of $125,551, versus a target average bonus of $134,391.
The technology industry paid the highest total compensation for CCO positions at $770,000. Life Sciences industry paid the second highest at $665,000 and Energy at $578,000 for total compensation.
Female CCOs were paid a higher base salary but a smaller bonus and lower cash compensation than their male counterparts. Total cash compensation for male CCOs was $382,500, which was slightly higher than $379,000 for female CCOs.
50% of CCOs have been in their current positions for 5 years or less. 24% of CCOs have been in their positions for 6 – 10 years, and 19% have been in their positions for more than 10 years.
Most CCOs report their performance is often resource constrained. 80% said their performance was either sometimes or always affected by lack of resources or staffing. This is similar to our survey of in-house counsel, where 81% reported resource constraints.
To gain access to the complete report, download BarkerGilmore’s 2025 Chief Compliance Officer Compensation Report.
About BarkerGilmore
Founded in 2006, BarkerGilmore is recognized as the industry’s leading executive search, coaching, and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the recruitment, retention, and success of in-house legal and compliance teams.
With a team of highly experienced search consultants and a distinguished bench of former General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officers, BarkerGilmore delivers unparalleled expertise and insight. The firm serves as a strategic advisor to its clients, delivering comprehensive solutions that maximize the business value of corporate legal and compliance departments.
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