The average salary for an IT Risk Manager in the US is $140,000 per year.
IT Risk Managers identify, evaluate, and mitigate technology-related risks that could impact business operations. In the US, this role is critical across finance, healthcare, government, and large enterprise organizations. Salaries vary based on regulatory exposure, security knowledge, and leadership responsibility. Professionals who can reduce cyber threats, compliance failures, and operational disruptions often earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: IT Risk Manager (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $140,000 |
| Median Salary | $135,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $100,000 |
| Highest Salary | $210,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in IT Risk Manager
Gender pay differences for IT Risk Managers in the US are influenced by years of experience, industry exposure, and management responsibilities.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $145,000 | ▲ +4% |
| Female | $135,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $140,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior leadership levels where pay is tied to measurable risk reduction and compliance outcomes.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level IT Risk Managers in the US typically earn around $100,000 per year. These roles focus on risk assessments, audit support, and monitoring IT controls. Most professionals at this level have 2–4 years of experience in IT or security roles. Developing knowledge of governance frameworks is essential for growth.
Mid-Level
Mid-level IT Risk Managers usually earn between $125,000 and $165,000 per year. At this stage, professionals lead risk evaluations, manage compliance programs, and advise business units on IT controls. This level commonly requires 5–8 years of experience. Strong knowledge of cybersecurity and regulatory standards drives salary increases.
Senior Level
Senior IT Risk Managers earn $180,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $210,000 in large US organizations. These professionals design enterprise-wide risk frameworks, manage audit teams, and report directly to executive leadership. Compensation reflects accountability for minimizing high-impact technology risks.
Certifications for IT Risk Manager
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- IT risk assessment
- Cybersecurity frameworks
- Regulatory compliance
- Internal auditing
- Risk mitigation strategy
- Governance and control systems
Best-paying cities for IT Risk Manager in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($140,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $165,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $154,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $150,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $144,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $134,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $127,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $126,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $142,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $130,000 | ▼ −7% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying role isn’t just about skills — it’s also about applying consistently, at scale, and to the right opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and salary negotiation instead of manual applications.
Apply to Jobs Across Multiple Platforms
RoboApply brings job listings from multiple platforms into one place. This includes roles from major job boards and company career pages, helping you discover opportunities you might otherwise miss, including high-paying and remote positions.
This broad coverage increases your chances of finding roles that match both your experience level and salary expectations.
Save Time with Auto-Apply
Manually applying to jobs is time-consuming and repetitive. RoboApply’s auto-apply feature allows users to apply to many relevant jobs efficiently, helping maintain consistent application activity, which is often necessary in competitive, high-salary job markets.
Improve Resume Relevance with AI Support
Different employers look for different skill combinations. RoboApply helps tailor resumes to better match job descriptions, improving relevance and increasing the likelihood of getting interview callbacks for well-paid roles.
Prepare Better for Interviews
RoboApply also supports interview preparation by helping candidates understand common role-specific questions and expectations. Better preparation leads to stronger interviews and more confidence during compensation discussions.
Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can track where they’ve applied and monitor responses over time. This makes it easier to identify which types of roles or platforms generate the best results and adjust the job search strategy accordingly.
Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use location- and experience-based salary data to define a reasonable target range instead of relying on a single national average. - Show measurable impact
Employers pay more when candidates can demonstrate how their risk management strategies prevented financial or operational losses. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, equity, learning budgets, remote flexibility, and time off, all of which can add meaningful value. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles at once creates leverage and helps candidates avoid accepting the first offer below their expectations.
Future Outlook for IT Risk Manager Compensation
Demand for IT Risk Managers continues to grow as organizations face increasing cybersecurity threats and regulatory complexity. Professionals with strong governance and risk management expertise are expected to remain highly compensated as businesses prioritize proactive risk control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $130,000 a good salary for an IT Risk Manager?
Yes, $130,000 is competitive for mid-level roles depending on location and industry.
Can IT Risk Managers earn over $180,000?
Yes, senior IT Risk Managers and enterprise risk leaders can exceed $180,000 annually.
Do risk certifications increase IT Risk Manager salary?
Yes, certifications such as CRISC and CISSP significantly improve earning potential.
Are remote IT Risk Manager roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer hybrid or fully remote IT risk positions.
Which industries pay IT Risk Managers the most?
Finance, banking, healthcare, and large technology companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior IT Risk Manager?
It usually takes 7–10 years of experience in IT security, auditing, or risk management roles.
Is IT Risk Management a stable career?
Yes, managing technology risk is critical for all major organizations, ensuring long-term demand and competitive compensation.
