GRC Specialist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average GRC Specialist salary lies between USD 110,000 and USD 160,000 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 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 composition for a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) Specialist in the United States can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company's performance and the individual's contribution. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, salaries tend to be higher to compensate for the increased expenses. Similarly, larger companies or those in highly regulated industries like finance or healthcare may offer more competitive compensation packages to attract top talent.

Steps to Increase Salary from a GRC Specialist Position

To increase your salary from a GRC Specialist position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Gaining experience in a specialized area of GRC, such as data privacy or cloud security, can also make you more valuable to employers. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship from senior professionals can provide insights into career advancement opportunities. Additionally, taking on leadership roles within your organization or contributing to high-impact projects can demonstrate your value and potentially lead to promotions or salary increases. Exploring opportunities in different industries or regions where GRC expertise is in high demand can also result in higher compensation.

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, business administration, or cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, particularly for more senior roles. A strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance standards is essential, so coursework or experience in these areas can be beneficial. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses can also help keep your skills up-to-date and relevant in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications for a GRC Specialist

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications as a GRC Specialist. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise in information security, risk management, and compliance, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Experience Required for a GRC Specialist

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in information security, risk management, or compliance roles. Experience in developing and implementing GRC frameworks, conducting risk assessments, and managing compliance audits is highly valued. Familiarity with industry-specific regulations, such as HIPAA for healthcare or PCI-DSS for payment card industries, can also be advantageous. Demonstrated experience in project management and the ability to work cross-functionally with different departments is often required.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?