GRC Specialist Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average GRC Specialist salary lies between USD 98,700 and USD 160,000 globally. 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.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for GRC Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with GRC Specialist job listings are Compliance, Risk management and Risk assessment. 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:

Compliance | 61 jobs Risk management | 49 jobs Risk assessment | 47 jobs NIST | 44 jobs ISO 27001 | 42 jobs Audits | 40 jobs Governance | 37 jobs CISM | 34 jobs CISSP | 32 jobs Cloud | 29 jobs Computer Science | 28 jobs GDPR | 22 jobs CISA | 22 jobs Monitoring | 18 jobs Vulnerabilities | 17 jobs CRISC | 17 jobs Privacy | 17 jobs SOC 2 | 14 jobs SOX | 14 jobs Network security | 13 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for GRC Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with GRC Specialist job listings are Career development, Health care 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 | 37 jobs Health care | 25 jobs Equity / stock options | 22 jobs Competitive pay | 21 jobs Insurance | 18 jobs Salary bonus | 18 jobs Medical leave | 17 jobs Flex vacation | 15 jobs Flex hours | 12 jobs Team events | 12 jobs Startup environment | 10 jobs Parental leave | 8 jobs Relocation support | 5 jobs Home office stipend | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Wellness | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Gear | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a GRC Specialist

The salary for a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) Specialist typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size.

• Region: In regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas in the United States or Western Europe, the base salary tends to be higher. Conversely, in regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be lower, but companies may offer more substantial bonuses or benefits to attract talent.

• Industry: Industries like finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of compliance and risk management in these sectors. Bonuses in these industries can be substantial, reflecting the high stakes involved.

• Company Size: Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits packages, including stock options, retirement plans, and health insurance, in addition to a competitive base salary. Smaller companies might offer higher base salaries to attract talent but may have less comprehensive benefits.

Steps to Increase Salary from a GRC Specialist Position

To increase your salary from a GRC Specialist position, consider the following strategies:

• Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your qualifications and make you eligible for higher-paying roles.

• Specialization: Developing expertise in a niche area of GRC, such as data privacy or cloud security, can make you more valuable to employers and open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.

• Leadership Roles: Pursuing leadership roles within your organization, such as a GRC Manager or Director, can significantly increase your earning potential.

• Networking and Professional Development: Engaging in professional networks and continuous learning can lead to new opportunities and salary negotiations.

Educational Requirements for a GRC Specialist

Most GRC Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Information Technology, Computer Science, or Business Administration. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, particularly in fields like Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, or Risk Management.

Helpful Certifications for a GRC Specialist

Certifications can play a crucial role in advancing your career as a GRC Specialist. Some of the most beneficial certifications include:

• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• ISO 27001 Lead Implementer or Lead Auditor

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-level positions.

Experience Required for a GRC Specialist

Typically, a GRC Specialist position requires 3-5 years of experience in information security, risk management, or compliance roles. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be particularly valuable due to the unique regulatory requirements in these sectors.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?