The average salary for an IT Governance Manager in the US is $142,000 per year.
IT Governance Managers ensure that an organization’s technology systems, policies, and risk controls align with business objectives and regulatory requirements. In the US, companies across finance, healthcare, and enterprise sectors rely on IT Governance Managers to maintain compliance, reduce operational risk, and enforce technology standards. Salaries vary based on industry regulations, leadership responsibilities, and experience managing governance frameworks. Professionals who can strengthen compliance processes and minimize audit findings typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: IT Governance Manager (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $142,000 |
| Median Salary | $136,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $100,000 |
| Highest Salary | $210,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in IT Governance Manager
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $146,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Female | $139,000 | ▼ −2% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $142,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation differences are often influenced by years of leadership experience and regulatory expertise.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level IT Governance Managers typically earn around $100,000 per year. These professionals assist with policy documentation, compliance monitoring, and audit preparation. Most have 0–2 years of governance or risk management experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level IT Governance Managers earn between $125,000 and $165,000 per year. At this stage, professionals lead governance initiatives, manage internal audits, and implement risk frameworks. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience in IT compliance or risk management.
Senior Level
Senior IT Governance Managers earn $185,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $210,000 in heavily regulated industries. These professionals oversee enterprise governance programs, advise executive leadership, and ensure organization-wide compliance with technology standards.
Certifications for IT Governance Manager
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
- Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Certified Information Security Manager
- Certified Governance of Enterprise IT
- Project Management Professional Certification
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- IT governance frameworks
- Regulatory compliance management
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Internal audit coordination
- Policy development and enforcement
- Stakeholder communication
Best-paying cities for IT Governance Manager in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($142,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $168,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $156,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $152,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $146,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $136,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $129,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $128,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $143,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $132,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
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Future Outlook for IT Governance Manager Compensation
As regulatory requirements continue to expand and cybersecurity risks increase, organizations are investing more in governance leadership. Demand for experienced IT Governance Managers is expected to remain steady, supporting long-term salary growth in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $142,000 a good salary for an IT Governance Manager?
Yes, $142,000 is competitive for mid-level IT Governance Manager roles in most US cities.
Can IT Governance Managers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior roles in highly regulated industries can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do certifications increase IT Governance Manager salary?
Yes, certifications in risk and audit frameworks can significantly improve earning potential.
Are remote IT Governance Manager roles common?
Yes, many governance positions offer hybrid or remote flexibility.
Which industries pay IT Governance Managers the most?
Finance, healthcare, and enterprise technology companies typically offer higher salaries.
Is IT Governance Management a stable career path?
Yes, as regulatory and compliance demands grow, governance leadership remains essential for organizations.
