Regulatory Compliance Careers in the US

A career in regulatory compliance in the US is a rewarding one. You are responsible for ensuring that the organisation you work for adheres to the laws, regulations, and industry standards that are relevant to its operations. By empowering it to function within the parameters set by the government and regulatory bodies, you shield it from legal issues, financial penalties, and reputational damage. This is a critical role across a variety of industries in the US, including finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, and technology.

Let’s explore some of the key aspects of regulatory compliance careers in the US, so you can make informed decisions about the next step on your career path.

Compliance roles

Common regulatory compliance roles in the US include:

• Compliance Officer
  Compliance officers are responsible for planning and delivering regulatory compliance programmes within an organisation. They monitor regulatory changes, conduct risk assessments, and ensure that policies and procedures are followed. This helps the organisation to navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape in the US, minimise risks, and maintain a strong reputation for ethical and responsible business practices. The average salary for a Compliance Officer is $76,432 per year.
   
• Regulatory Analyst
  Regulatory analysts research and analyse federal, state, and local regulations that pertain to the sector in which their organisation operates so they understand their compliance obligations. This involves staying up to date with any changes or updates to existing regulations and identifying new ones through regulatory horizon scanning. They use the information they gather to provide guidance on compliance strategies and contribute to policy development. The average salary for a Regulatory Analyst is $82,654 per year.
   
• Quality Assurance Specialist
  Quality assurance specialists provide a vital layer of protection in industries like manufacturing, software development, food production, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Their primary goal is to identify, rectify, and prevent any defects or issues before products or services reach customers. In doing so they ensure that products and services meet regulatory and quality standards. The average salary for a Quality Assurance Specialist is $54,279 per year.
   
• Data Protection Officer
  Amid the rise of data privacy regulations, organisations often appoint data protection officers to oversee adherence to federal and state laws, industry regulations, and internal corporate policies. The role is not a requirement under federal law, as is the case under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – but it is still highly valued. The average salary for a Data Protection Officer is $86,309 per year.

Salary range

Regulatory compliance salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as industry, location, level of experience, and the specific role. Professionals within the field often receive competitive salaries due to their vital role in helping to maintain ethical and responsible business practices that prevent legal issues, financial penalties, and reputational damage.
 

Relevant skills

The following core skills and competencies are required for a successful career in regulatory compliance:

• Deep understanding of relevant laws and regulations.
• Analytical skills to interpret complex regulations and assess their impact.
• Strong communication skills to convey compliance requirements to stakeholders.
• Attention to detail to identify potential compliance gaps.
• Problem-solving skills to develop strategies for dynamic compliance challenges.
   

Certifications

The following certifications will help you advance your career in regulatory compliance:

• Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM): Offered by the American Bankers Association, the CRCM is relevant for anyone working in the financial services sector.
   
• Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC): Offered by the Health Care Compliance Association, the CHC is tailored for healthcare compliance professionals.
   
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP): Offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals, this certification is focused on data privacy and protection.
   
• Certified Compliance and Regulatory Professional (CCRP): Provided by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB), the CCRP is suitable for professionals working in various industries. It covers areas like healthcare compliance, privacy regulations, and general compliance principles.
   
• Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC): Provided by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS), this certification is relevant to professionals dealing with medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology industries.
   

To pursue a career in regulatory compliance in the US, consider obtaining relevant qualifications and certifications, and gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions.