Compliance Program Manager PCI
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Own the PCI compliance roadmap and annual plan
- Lead PCI scope reviews and keep systems in scope accurately documented
- Run gap assessments against PCI requirements and track remediation work
- Coordinate evidence collection and maintain audit-ready records
- Manage relationships with external assessors and internal audit teams
- Create and maintain compliance policies and standards related to payment data
- Partner with engineering and security teams to build compliant processes
- Drive risk assessments and prioritize issues based on business impact
- Deliver compliance training and awareness for relevant teams
- Report compliance status, risks, and timelines to leadership
- Monitor changes to PCI standards and translate them into practical actions
- Support incident response activities involving payment data when needed
Top Skills for Success
Program Management
Stakeholder Management
Risk Management
Policy Writing
Clear Communication
Attention to Detail
Evidence Management
Audit Preparation
Control Testing
PCI DSS Knowledge
Payment Data Flow Mapping
Vendor Management
Security Fundamentals
Access Management Basics
Vulnerability Management Basics
Career Progression
Can Lead To
PCI Compliance Lead
Governance Risk and Compliance Manager
Security Compliance Manager
Risk and Controls Manager
Trust and Assurance Manager
Transition Opportunities
Information Security Manager
Security Program Manager
Enterprise Risk Manager
Internal Audit Manager
Compliance Director
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
PCI ScopingEvidence MappingControl DesignControl TestingPayment System Architecture AwarenessCloud Security BasicsIssue Remediation TrackingExecutive Reporting
Development SuggestionsStart by mapping where payment data is stored, processed, and transmitted. Build a simple control library aligned to PCI requirements and connect each control to clear evidence. Practice writing short risk statements and monthly status updates for leaders. Partner closely with security and engineering to learn how system changes affect scope and controls.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 95,000 to 125,000
Mid LevelUSD 125,000 to 165,000
Senior LevelUSD 165,000 to 220,000
Growth Trend
Strong demand. Hiring remains steady as more companies process payments online and face higher security and regulatory expectations.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
StripePayPalBlockAdyenShopifyAmazonGoogleAppleMicrosoftVisaMastercardAmerican ExpressJPMorgan ChaseCapital OneWells FargoWalmartTargetUberAirbnb
Industry Sectors
Payment processorsFintechBanksEcommerceMarketplacesCloud service providersRetailTravel and hospitalitySoftware as a service
Recommended Next Steps
1
Review the latest PCI standard and summarize key changes into a one page internal brief2
Create a PCI compliance calendar with recurring checkpoints for evidence and control reviews3
Build a master inventory of in scope systems, owners, and data flows4
Draft an evidence checklist that maps each requirement to a named source of proof5
Run a small gap assessment on one product area and track remediation to closure6
Strengthen reporting with a simple dashboard for status, risks, and due dates7
Pursue a relevant credential such as PCI ISA, CISA, or CISSP if it fits your background8
Prepare a portfolio story that shows how you reduced audit effort or lowered compliance risk