Ever wondered who keeps the medicines in your cabinet safe? Or ensures your favorite snacks won’t make you sick? Meet the unsung heroes of consumer safety: regulatory affairs professionals!

While “regulatory affairs” might sound like watching paint dry, it’s actually one of the most dynamic, well-compensated career paths you’ve probably never considered. Think of it as being part detective, part guardian and part translator between scientists and government agencies—all while helping bring life-changing products to market safely.

With regulatory affairs specialists making an average of $210,551 and a growing demand across industries from pharmaceuticals to food and cosmetics, there’s never been a better time to consider this career path. So whether you’re a science enthusiast who prefers a suit to a lab coat, or someone who loves finding creative solutions within structured frameworks, regulatory affairs might just be your perfect match.

Let’s dive into why regulatory affairs graduates are becoming some of the most sought-after professionals in today’s job market:

Industries for Regulatory Affairs Graduates

  1. Pharmaceuticals: Ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs is critical. Regulatory affairs professionals can help navigate the complex approval processes and maintain compliance with regulations to bring new medications to market.
  2. Biotechnology: This industry focuses on developing innovative therapies and products. Regulatory experts ensure that biotechnological advancements meet regulatory standards, facilitating the development of cutting-edge treatments.
  3. Medical Devices: Regulatory affairs professionals ensure that medical devices are safe and effective. They manage regulatory submissions and compliance throughout the product lifecycle, from development to post-market surveillance. 
  4. Food and Beverage: Ensuring food safety and compliance with regulations is essential for public health. Regulatory professionals oversee the entire farm-to-fork lifestyle, ensuring products meet safety standards. 
  5. Cosmetics: The cosmetics industry is highly regulated to ensure product safety and efficacy. Regulatory affairs professionals help navigate the regulations governing the formulation, labeling and marketing of cosmetic products. 
  6. Environmental Protection: Regulatory professionals in this field ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations, helping to protect natural resources and public health. 
  7. Consumer Goods: This industry includes a wide range of products, from household items to electronics. Regulatory affairs professionals ensure these products comply with safety standards and regulations.
  8. Agriculture: Regulatory experts ensure that agricultural products, including pesticides and fertilizers, meet safety and environmental standards, promoting sustainable farming practices. 

Career Paths for Regulatory Affairs Graduates

  1. Regulatory Affairs Specialist
    • Median Salary: $75,188 per year
    • Assists in the implementation of regulatory strategies, prepares and coordinates applications to regulatory agencies, and ensures compliance with regulations throughout the product life cycle.
  2. Regulatory Affairs Manager
    • Median Salary: $146,969 per year
    • Oversees regulatory affairs activities, manages regulatory submissions, and ensures that products comply with all applicable regulations. Often leads a team of regulatory professionals.
  3. Compliance Specialist
    • Median Salary: $84,000 per year 
    • Ensures that company operations adhere to regulatory requirements, conducts audits, and implements compliance programs to mitigate risks.
  4. Clinical Research Associate
    • Median Salary: $84,346 per year
    • Monitors clinical trials to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, collects and analyzes data, and liaises between the sponsor and clinical sites.
  5. Director of Quality Assurance
    • Median Salary: $171,000 per year
    • Leads quality assurance efforts, develops and implements quality management systems, and ensures that products meet regulatory and quality standards.
  6. Food Safety Inspector
    • Median Salary: $50,975 per year
    • Inspects food production facilities to ensure compliance with safety regulations, conducts tests, and enforces food safety standards.

Earn an Online Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs

SDSU’s online Regulatory Affairs Master’s program will help you obtain an advanced knowledge of current regulations and learn how to apply them to the development and commercialization of drug, biologic, dietary supplement, In vitro diagnostic, and medical device products.

Created in collaboration with SDSU’s Center for Regulatory Science, this online master’s program will provide you with a comprehensive background in regulatory science. You’ll also receive additional training that you’ll need to successfully develop, manufacture, and market a wide range of biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, and medical device products.

Graduates have used their degrees and advanced knowledge of regulations to become directors, managers, and high-level executives throughout the life science industry.