Salary for Senior-level / Expert GRC Specialist in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert GRC Specialist salary lies between USD 145,000 and USD 179,200 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 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

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert 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 profit-sharing. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech industries and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of $157,500, consider pursuing leadership roles such as GRC Manager or Director of Information Security. These positions often come with higher compensation packages. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, data privacy, or regulatory compliance can make you more valuable to employers. Networking within industry groups and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, consider negotiating your salary by leveraging offers from other companies or highlighting your contributions to your current employer's success.

Educational Requirements

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. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree in Information Security, Business Administration, or a related discipline. A strong educational background provides a solid foundation in both technical and managerial aspects of information security, which is crucial for a GRC role.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common certifications for a GRC Specialist 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)
• ISO 27001 Lead Implementer or Lead Auditor

These certifications demonstrate your expertise in security management, risk assessment, and compliance, making you a more attractive candidate for senior roles.

Required Experience

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 frameworks, and security policies. Experience in leading projects, managing teams, and working with cross-functional departments is also highly desirable. Employers look for candidates who have a proven track record of successfully implementing GRC programs and mitigating security risks.

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