GRC Director Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average GRC Director salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 390,000 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for GRC Director roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with GRC Director job listings are Risk management, Compliance and Governance. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Risk management | 9 jobs Compliance | 9 jobs Governance | 9 jobs ISO 27001 | 8 jobs CISO | 8 jobs Audits | 6 jobs Risk assessment | 6 jobs SOC 2 | 6 jobs Privacy | 6 jobs SOC | 6 jobs GDPR | 5 jobs FedRAMP | 5 jobs NIST | 5 jobs HIPAA | 5 jobs PCI DSS | 5 jobs CCPA | 5 jobs Kanban | 5 jobs CMMC | 5 jobs Cloud | 5 jobs Computer Science | 5 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for GRC Director roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with GRC Director job listings are Career development, 401(k) matching and Equity / stock options. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 9 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Equity / stock options | 5 jobs Flex vacation | 5 jobs Health care | 5 jobs Transparency | 5 jobs Insurance | 5 jobs Flexible spending account | 5 jobs

Salary Composition for a GRC Director

The salary composition for a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) Director in the United States typically includes a mix of base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or other incentives. The base salary often constitutes the largest portion, ranging from 60% to 80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on company performance, individual performance, and industry standards, usually making up 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, profit-sharing, or other long-term incentives, can account for 5% to 15% of the total package.

Regional differences can affect these percentages, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries and more lucrative stock options. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and technology companies may offer higher bonuses compared to non-profit or government sectors. Company size can influence the compensation structure as well, with larger companies typically providing more comprehensive bonus and stock option plans.

Steps to Increase Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the GRC Director position, consider the following strategies:

• Pursue Executive Roles: Aim for higher-level positions such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Chief Risk Officer (CRO), which typically offer higher compensation packages.
• Expand Your Skill Set: Develop expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, data privacy, or AI-driven risk management, which are highly valued in the industry.
• Network and Build Relationships: Engage with industry leaders and participate in professional organizations to increase your visibility and open up new opportunities.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate for higher compensation by highlighting your achievements and market value.

Educational Requirements

Most GRC Director positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or Cybersecurity. However, a master's degree, such as an MBA with a focus on Information Security or a Master's in Cybersecurity, is often preferred and can provide a competitive edge. Advanced degrees demonstrate a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of the role.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a GRC Director role. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)

These certifications validate your expertise in information security, risk management, and IT governance, making you a more attractive candidate for senior roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a GRC Director is expected to have at least 10 to 15 years of experience in information security, risk management, or compliance roles. This experience should include a proven track record of managing teams, developing and implementing security policies, and working with senior management to align security strategies with business objectives. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be advantageous due to the unique regulatory requirements in these sectors.

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