The average salary for a GRC Director in the US is $175,000 per year.
GRC Directors (Governance, Risk, and Compliance Directors) oversee enterprise-wide risk management frameworks, regulatory compliance programs, and corporate governance policies. In the US, this leadership role is essential in highly regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, and government contracting. Salaries vary depending on organizational size, regulatory exposure, and executive responsibility. Directors who align security strategy with business objectives and regulatory standards often command premium compensation.
Salary Statistics: GRC Director (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $175,000 |
| Median Salary | $168,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $130,000 |
| Highest Salary | $240,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in GRC Director
Gender pay differences for GRC Directors in the US are influenced by executive tenure, board-level reporting responsibilities, and scope of regulatory oversight.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $179,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $172,000 | ▼ −2% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $175,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps are typically narrower in large enterprises with structured executive compensation frameworks.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level (Director Track)
Professionals transitioning into a director-level GRC role typically earn around $130,000 per year. These roles may involve managing compliance teams or overseeing specific regulatory programs before full enterprise responsibility.
Mid-Level
Mid-level GRC Directors earn between $155,000 and $200,000 per year. At this stage, professionals oversee enterprise risk frameworks, regulatory audits, and governance policies across multiple departments. This level commonly requires 8–12 years of experience in risk, compliance, or cybersecurity leadership.
Senior / Executive Level
Senior GRC Directors earn $220,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $240,000 in large or publicly traded organizations. These professionals report to executive leadership, coordinate with legal and audit teams, and manage enterprise-wide compliance strategy.
Certifications for GRC Director
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Enterprise risk management
- Regulatory compliance oversight
- Policy development and governance frameworks
- Internal audit coordination
- Executive reporting and board communication
- Third-party risk management
Best-paying cities for GRC Director in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($175,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $205,000 | ▲ +17% |
| New York, NY | $193,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $187,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $180,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $168,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $159,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $157,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $177,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $163,000 | ▼ −7% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying leadership role isn’t just about experience — it’s also about applying strategically and consistently. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and scale their job search process so they can focus on interviews and executive-level negotiations.
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RoboApply aggregates job listings from multiple platforms and company career pages, helping you identify director-level governance and compliance roles you might otherwise miss.
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Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can monitor application results and refine targeting strategies accordingly.
Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use city-based and industry-specific salary benchmarks to define a strong executive compensation target. - Highlight measurable risk reduction
Demonstrate how your governance programs reduced regulatory exposure or audit findings. - Emphasize strategic leadership
Show how your oversight improved operational resilience and executive reporting transparency. - Look beyond base salary
Executive compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, long-term incentives, and performance-based rewards. - Keep multiple options open
Pursuing multiple director-level roles strengthens negotiation leverage.
Future Outlook for GRC Director Compensation
Demand for GRC leadership continues to grow as regulatory complexity increases and organizations prioritize risk management. Directors who integrate cybersecurity, privacy, and enterprise risk into unified governance frameworks are expected to see continued salary growth in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $175,000 a good salary for a GRC Director?
Yes, $175,000 is competitive for mid-to-senior GRC Director roles depending on company size and regulatory scope.
Can GRC Directors earn over $200,000?
Yes, large enterprises and publicly traded companies often pay above $200,000 for experienced directors.
Do governance certifications increase salary?
Yes, certifications such as CISA and CRISC enhance credibility and often influence compensation positively.
Are remote GRC Director roles available?
Yes, many organizations offer hybrid or remote flexibility for governance leadership roles.
Which industries pay GRC Directors the most?
Financial services, healthcare, defense, and technology sectors typically offer higher compensation.
Is governance and compliance a stable career path?
Yes, increasing regulatory oversight ensures continued demand for experienced GRC leaders.
What experience is required for a GRC Director role?
Most roles require extensive experience in risk management, compliance leadership, and executive reporting.
