Compliance Analyst
GrowingAssessing and monitoring security controls against regulatory frameworks and audit requirements
Compliance Analyst Salary
United Kingdom
£35,000 – £65,000
United States
$60,000 – $105,000
Varies by location, sector, and experience. Last updated: 2025.
What Is a Compliance Analyst?
A Compliance Analyst in a cybersecurity context assesses, documents, and monitors whether an organisation's security practices, controls, and policies meet the requirements of applicable regulations, frameworks, and standards. The role is closely related to the IT Compliance Analyst in the Business Systems and Analysis category — the primary distinction is focus: the Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst works specifically within a security function, dealing with frameworks such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, NIST CSF, PCI DSS, and GDPR as they relate to information security controls and practices.
Compliance Analysts in cybersecurity work alongside security engineers, SOC teams, and risk managers to translate regulatory requirements into operational security controls, gather and maintain audit evidence, support external audits and assessments, and track remediation of identified gaps. The role is less technical than core security engineering but requires enough security knowledge to engage credibly with technical teams and understand the controls being assessed. It is a well-defined entry point into the broader cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) discipline.
What Does a Compliance Analyst Do?
- Assess security controls and practices against applicable frameworks including ISO 27001, SOC 2, NIST CSF, and PCI DSS
- Maintain compliance registers, control libraries, and evidence repositories to support audit readiness at all times
- Support external audits and certifications by preparing structured evidence packs and coordinating responses with auditors
- Identify compliance gaps and track remediation activities through to verified closure with documented control owner sign-off
- Monitor regulatory changes and assess their impact on existing security controls, policies, and operational procedures
- Write and maintain security policies, procedures, and standards documentation to reflect current control requirements and obligations
Compliance Analyst Skills
Hard Skills
- IT Compliance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Audit Management
- Control Framework Design
- Risk Management
- Gap Analysis
- Policy Documentation
- Stakeholder Management
- Reporting and Visualisation
- Data Protection
Soft Skills
- Analytical ThinkingMapping regulatory requirements to security controls
- Attention to DetailGathering and maintaining accurate audit evidence
- CommunicationTranslating compliance findings for technical teams
- Methodical ApproachSystematic tracking of gaps and remediation
- ObjectivityImpartial assessment of control effectiveness
- CollaborationWorking across security, legal, and engineering functions
Compliance Analyst Tools & Software
How to Become a Compliance Analyst
Typical Route
Most entrants hold a bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Business, Law, or Computer Science — the role draws from both technical and non-technical pipelines. Programs spanning technology law, governance, and regulatory frameworks are well-suited preparation; Georgetown University, American University's Kogod School of Business, and George Washington University's cyber policy programs all provide relevant grounding. An MS in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, or Compliance and Risk Management supports specialist progression. Legal and finance graduates are common entrants.
Alternative Route
CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) is the most widely recognised credential for security compliance and audit roles. ISO 27001 Lead Auditor certification is directly relevant for organisations pursuing ISO programmes; CompTIA Security+ provides a useful technical baseline. Vanta and OneTrust offer platform-specific training increasingly valued as automated compliance tools become standard. ISACA-accredited training providers and Infosec Institute deliver structured CISA preparation accessible to US candidates.
A Day in the Life of a Compliance Analyst
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Compliance Analyst Career Path
IT Auditor / Security Analyst
0–2 yrs
Compliance Analyst
2–4 yrs
Senior Compliance Analyst
4–6 yrs
GRC Manager / Compliance Manager
6–9 yrs
Head of GRC / CISO
9+ yrs
Compliance Analyst Job Outlook
Security compliance is growing as regulatory requirements expand — data protection enforcement, SOC 2 adoption across SaaS companies, and increasing cybersecurity regulation are all driving demand. Automated compliance platforms like Vanta and Drata are accelerating SOC 2 adoption among technology companies, creating new and growing demand for practitioners who can operate these tools and manage the compliance programmes they support.