Risk Manager Salary in 2026
Identify, assess, and mitigate organizational risks across financial and operational domains.
Median Salary
$105,000
$8,750/mo
Entry Level
$72,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$148,000
experienced
Job Growth
+10%
10-yr outlook
Risk Manager Overview
Identify, assess, and mitigate organizational risks across financial and operational domains.
Education
Bachelor's/Master's
Experience
5-8 years
Industry
Finance
Total Jobs (US)
50K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$50.48/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,750
Risk Manager Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Risk Manager salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Risk Manager Salary
$122,000
$10,167/month · $4,692/biweekly · $58.65/hr
Risk Manager Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Risk Manager field.
Entry-level Risk Managers earn around $72,000, while the top 10% earn $164,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Risk Managers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $124,000 | +$19,000 |
| New York | $121,000 | +$16,000 |
| Connecticut | $116,000 | +$11,000 |
| Illinois | $109,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $103,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Risk Managers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $131,000 | +$26,000 |
| New York | $124,000 | +$19,000 |
| Hartford | $111,000 | +$6,000 |
| Chicago | $110,000 | +$5,000 |
| Dallas | $105,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Risk Manager Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Risk Manager from entry level to expert.
$72,000
0-2 years
$110,000
3-7 years
$148,000
8-14 years
$180,000
15+ years
Related Finance Jobs
Risk Manager Salary FAQ
How much does a Risk Manager make in 2026?
The median salary for a Risk Manager in the United States is $105,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $72,000, while senior professionals earn up to $148,000. Top earners in the field can make $180,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Risk Manager?
A Risk Manager typically requires a Bachelor's/Master's with 5-8 years of experience. Key skills include Risk Assessment, Compliance, Insurance. Relevant certifications such as FRM or CRM can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Risk Managers?
The job market for Risk Managers is projected to grow by 10% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 50K Risk Manager positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 14%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Risk Managers the most?
The highest-paying states for Risk Managers include New York, California, Connecticut. In New York, the median salary is approximately $121,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Risk Manager salary?
To increase your Risk Manager salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Risk Assessment and Compliance. Pursue certifications such as FRM. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 5-8 years of experience, you can progress from $72,000 to $148,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Risk Manager Salary
How we calculate Risk Manager salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $105,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Risk Manager in the Finance sector.
- Entry-level ($72,000) and senior-level ($148,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +10% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 50K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 14% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Finance sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's/Master's, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $105,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Risk Manager compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Risk Manager job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Finance
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Risk Manager salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Risk Assessment, Compliance, Insurance), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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