The average salary for a GRC Engineer in the US is $138,960 per year.
GRC Engineers focus on Governance, Risk, and Compliance frameworks within technical environments. They bridge the gap between cybersecurity engineering teams and regulatory compliance requirements, ensuring that systems meet internal policies and external standards. In the US, this role is common across financial services, healthcare, SaaS companies, defense contractors, and enterprise technology firms. Salaries vary based on regulatory exposure, automation capability, audit responsibility, and technical depth. Professionals who integrate compliance directly into engineering workflows typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: GRC Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $138,960 |
| Median Salary | $132,400 |
| Lowest Salary | $95,000 |
| Highest Salary | $210,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in GRC Engineer
Gender pay differences for GRC Engineers in the US are influenced by enterprise risk exposure, certification level, and leadership responsibilities.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $142,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $135,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $139,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where pay reflects direct responsibility for risk mitigation and audit performance.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level GRC Engineers in the US typically earn around $95,000–$115,000 per year. These professionals support risk assessments, assist with compliance documentation, monitor policy adherence, and help prepare audit reports. Most at this level have 1–3 years of experience in cybersecurity or compliance roles.
Mid-Level
Mid-level GRC Engineers usually earn between $120,000 and $165,000 per year. At this stage, professionals conduct formal risk assessments, manage compliance frameworks such as ISO 27001 or SOC 2, and implement technical controls aligned with regulatory standards. This level commonly requires 3–7 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior GRC Engineers earn $185,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $210,000 in major US enterprises. These professionals oversee enterprise-wide governance frameworks, coordinate cross-functional risk initiatives, and integrate compliance automation tools into security operations. Compensation reflects high accountability for regulatory posture and risk management.
Certifications for GRC Engineer
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- ISO 27001 Lead Implementer
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance frameworks
- Risk assessment and control mapping
- Regulatory standards (NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA)
- Audit preparation and documentation
- Security control automation
- Policy development and enforcement
Best-paying cities for GRC Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($138,960) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $164,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $154,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Washington, DC | $150,000 | ▲ +8% |
| Seattle, WA | $148,000 | ▲ +6% |
| Boston, MA | $143,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $132,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $129,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $139,500 | ▲ +0% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a realistic and competitive target range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate successful audit outcomes, risk reduction initiatives, and compliance automation improvements. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, equity, certification reimbursements, and remote flexibility. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for GRC Engineer Compensation
As regulatory requirements expand and cybersecurity governance becomes more complex, demand for skilled GRC Engineers continues to grow. Professionals who can integrate compliance directly into technical environments are expected to maintain strong earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $138,960 a good salary for a GRC Engineer?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level governance and compliance engineering roles.
Can GRC Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior-level GRC professionals in highly regulated industries can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do compliance certifications increase salary?
Yes, certifications such as CRISC and CISSP often increase earning potential when combined with hands-on risk management experience.
Are remote GRC Engineer roles common?
Yes, many governance and compliance roles are remote or hybrid.
Which industries pay GRC Engineers the most?
Financial services, healthcare, defense, enterprise SaaS, and technology companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior GRC Engineer?
It typically requires 6–10 years of progressive cybersecurity and compliance experience.
Is GRC Engineering a stable career in the US?
Yes, increasing regulatory complexity ensures long-term demand.
