Salary for Senior-level / Expert GRC Specialist during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert GRC Specialist salary lies between USD 127,000 and USD 179,200 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 Senior-level / Expert GRC Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert 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 | 36 jobs Risk management | 31 jobs Risk assessment | 30 jobs NIST | 26 jobs ISO 27001 | 25 jobs Audits | 24 jobs Cloud | 24 jobs CISSP | 20 jobs CISM | 20 jobs Governance | 19 jobs Computer Science | 18 jobs GDPR | 15 jobs Vulnerabilities | 12 jobs CRISC | 12 jobs Network security | 11 jobs CISA | 10 jobs Monitoring | 10 jobs SOX | 10 jobs Privacy | 9 jobs IAM | 9 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert GRC Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert GRC Specialist job listings are Career development, Equity / stock options 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 | 23 jobs Equity / stock options | 20 jobs Health care | 20 jobs Competitive pay | 15 jobs Medical leave | 15 jobs Insurance | 15 jobs Salary bonus | 15 jobs Flex vacation | 12 jobs Flex hours | 8 jobs Team events | 7 jobs Parental leave | 6 jobs Startup environment | 6 jobs Relocation support | 4 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Senior-level GRC Specialist

The salary for a Senior-level 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 depending on the region, industry, and company size. In regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas in the United States, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. In industries like finance or technology, bonuses can be substantial, often tied to company performance or individual achievements. Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits packages, including retirement plans, health insurance, and stock options, which can significantly enhance the overall compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Senior-level Position

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level GRC Specialist position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as GRC Manager or Director of Information Security. These roles often come with higher compensation and greater responsibilities. Additionally, specializing in niche areas of GRC, such as data privacy or regulatory compliance for specific industries, can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to thought leadership through publications or speaking engagements can also enhance your profile and open up higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements for a Senior-level GRC Specialist

Most Senior-level GRC Specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Information Technology, Computer Science, or Cybersecurity. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Information Systems or a specialized master's in Cybersecurity. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of both the technical and managerial aspects of GRC, making candidates more competitive for senior roles.

Helpful Certifications for GRC Specialists

Certifications are highly valued in the field of GRC and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common 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 a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, which can be crucial for career advancement.

Experience Required for Senior-level GRC Roles

Typically, a Senior-level GRC Specialist is expected to have at least 7-10 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include a strong background in risk management, compliance, and governance frameworks. Experience in leading projects, managing teams, and developing GRC strategies is also highly desirable. Employers look for candidates who have a proven track record of successfully implementing GRC programs and who can demonstrate their ability to adapt to changing regulatory environments.

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