Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate GRC Specialist in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate GRC Specialist salary lies between USD 58,800 and USD 123,000 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. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Mid-level / Intermediate GRC Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate GRC Specialist job listings are Compliance, Risk assessment and NIST. 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 | 18 jobs Risk assessment | 13 jobs NIST | 13 jobs Risk management | 13 jobs ISO 27001 | 12 jobs Governance | 12 jobs Audits | 11 jobs CISM | 10 jobs CISA | 10 jobs CISSP | 9 jobs Computer Science | 8 jobs GDPR | 7 jobs Monitoring | 7 jobs SOC | 7 jobs SOC 2 | 6 jobs Privacy | 6 jobs Security assessment | 4 jobs Risk analysis | 4 jobs PCI DSS | 4 jobs CRISC | 4 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Mid-level / Intermediate GRC Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate GRC Specialist job listings are Career development, Competitive pay and Health care. 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 Competitive pay | 5 jobs Health care | 3 jobs Startup environment | 3 jobs Insurance | 3 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Flex hours | 2 jobs Team events | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Flex vacation | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level GRC Specialist

The salary for a Mid-level GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) Specialist in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, often ranging from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or comprehensive benefits packages that cover health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.

The composition of the salary can vary based on several factors:

• Region: Salaries in metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, or Washington D.C. tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for cybersecurity professionals.
• Industry: Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of data protection and compliance.
• Company Size: Larger companies may offer more competitive salaries and benefits, while smaller companies might offer equity or stock options as part of the compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Mid-level Position

To increase your salary from a mid-level 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 cybersecurity, such as cloud security or data privacy, can make you more valuable to employers.
• Leadership Roles: Pursuing leadership or managerial roles within your organization can lead to higher compensation.
• Networking and Professional Development: Engaging in professional networks and attending industry conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.
• Further Education: Consider pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field to increase your qualifications and salary potential.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level GRC Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more advanced roles. Relevant coursework in risk management, compliance, and information security is highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. Some common and helpful certifications for a GRC Specialist include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level GRC Specialist position requires 3 to 5 years of experience in information security, risk management, or compliance roles. Experience in conducting risk assessments, developing security policies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards is often necessary. Familiarity with regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX is also advantageous.

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