What is a GRC Role? Role, Skills, and Salary

If you’re looking to break into cybersecurity, a GRC role is a great option to explore. GRC stands for governance, risk, and compliance, and professionals in these roles help organizations manage risk and stay compliant with regulations. Unlike technical roles, such as security analysts or penetration testers, GRC positions focus on policy, process, and strategy, making them ideal for people who enjoy analysis, communication, and problem-solving.

Main Responsibilities

GRC professionals play a critical role in keeping organizations secure and compliant. While they may not manage firewalls or investigate attacks directly, their work ensures that risks are identified and managed effectively. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and enforcing security policies and procedures.
  
  
• Conducting risk assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities.
  
  
• Ensuring compliance with laws and industry standards like HIPAA, GDPR, or ISO 27001.
  
  
• Reporting risk and compliance metrics to management and executives.
  
  
• Coordinating with teams across IT, legal, and operations to ensure policies are implemented and followed.
  
  

Pay Range

GRC roles offer competitive salaries that vary by experience, certifications, industry, and location. Current ranges include:

• Entry-level GRC analyst: $60,000–$80,000/year
  
  
• Mid-level GRC specialist: $80,000–$110,000/year
  
  
• Senior or manager-level roles: $110,000–$150,000+/year
  
  

For professionals who gain experience and certifications, there’s strong potential for growth and higher earning opportunities.

Education

Many GRC positions require a degree in cybersecurity, IT, business, or risk management, though some entry-level roles prioritize experience and knowledge over formal education. Valuable certifications include:

• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
  
  
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  
  
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  
  
• ISO 27001 Lead Implementer  

Entry-level candidates can also benefit from foundational cybersecurity knowledge to get started in this field. For an introduction, see our guide on what is cybersecurity and why it’s important.

Final Thoughts

GRC roles are an excellent option for those who enjoy strategy, governance, and risk management rather than hands-on technical work. They are increasingly in demand as organizations focus on security and compliance. By understanding the responsibilities, skills, and education required, you can decide if a GRC role is the right fit for your cybersecurity career path.