Position
Salary

How much does a Risk Specialist make?

The average salary for a Risk Specialist is $100,542 per year in the US.

A Risk Specialist plays a key role in many industries, especially in financial services and insurance. These professionals assess risks to help companies make smart decisions. They analyze data and use their expertise to predict potential problems and suggest solutions. Because their work is so important, Risk Specialists earn a good salary.


The average yearly salary for a Risk Specialist is about $100,542. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry. Entry-level specialists might start with salaries around $41,000. However, with more experience, the salary can climb much higher. Here are the average salaries at different experience levels:

  • Entry-level: $41,000
  • Mid-level: $80,818
  • Senior-level: $173,727
Having specialized skills or certifications can also boost earnings. Many Risk Specialists continue to grow in their careers, leading to higher salaries.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Risk Specialist?

Washington, DC, ranks as one of the top cities for Risk Specialist jobs, offering an average salary of $137,062. The high demand for risk management in the nation's capital drives competitive pay. Charlotte, NC, and Seattle, WA, also provide excellent opportunities with average salaries of $126,395 and $120,469, respectively. Boston, MA, and Chicago, IL, continue to attract risk specialists with strong salaries, around $120,118 and $119,571. Philadelphia, PA, and San Francisco, CA, follow closely behind, offering $112,878 and $111,337. Other notable cities include San Diego, CA, Minneapolis, MN, and Des Moines, IA, each providing competitive salaries for this profession.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Risk Specialist jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $137,062 and Des Moines, IA with the lowest at $106,946.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $137,062
    In Washington, DC, professionals can find roles in government and policy sectors. Many top firms, like Deloitte and EY, seek experts to manage risk in compliance and auditing. Opportunities often involve working with key decision-makers to safeguard against financial and operational threats.
    Find Risk Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $126,395
    Charlotte, NC offers a blend of banking and insurance opportunities. Wells Fargo and Bank of America look for skilled individuals to ensure financial stability. Job seekers benefit from a robust financial sector that emphasizes risk management for large-scale operations.
    Find Risk Specialist jobs in Charlotte, NC


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $120,469
    Seattle provides a dynamic environment for risk management professionals in tech and healthcare. Companies like Amazon and Kaiser Permanente need experts to navigate complex risks. The city’s innovative atmosphere makes it an exciting place to work with cutting-edge technology.
    Find Risk Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $120,118
    Boston offers diverse opportunities in finance and healthcare. Firms such as State Street and MassMutual value risk specialists for their thorough analysis. The city’s rich history in education adds depth to the professional experience, making it a rewarding place to work.
    Find Risk Specialist jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $119,571
    Chicago is known for its robust financial sector, with companies like Goldman Sachs and Allstate seeking experts. Risk management roles here involve significant decision-making and strategic planning. The city’s vibrant business environment offers a chance to grow and excel.
    Find Risk Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $112,878
    Philadelphia combines urban dynamism with traditional industries. Companies such as Vanguard and Independence Blue Cross look for professionals who can manage diverse risks. Working here means engaging with a mix of financial, insurance, and healthcare sectors.
    Find Risk Specialist jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  7. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $111,337
    San Francisco’s tech-driven landscape offers unique challenges and opportunities. Firms like Salesforce and Tesla require risk specialists who can handle tech-specific risks. The city’s innovative spirit makes it an exciting place to develop and apply risk management skills.
    Find Risk Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $109,919
    San Diego provides a mix of defense, biotech, and finance opportunities. Companies like Qualcomm and U.S. Bank need skilled professionals to manage risks. The city’s favorable climate and quality of life add to the appeal of working here.
    Find Risk Specialist jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $107,670
    Minneapolis is a hub for banking and insurance. U.S. Bancorp and Target Corporation look for experts to manage operational risks. The city’s strong community and professional networks offer ample opportunities for career growth and development.
    Find Risk Specialist jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  10. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $106,946
    Des Moines serves as a key insurance center, with companies like Principal Financial Group and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield seeking risk management professionals. Working here means contributing to the stability of major financial institutions in a supportive environment.
    Find Risk Specialist jobs in Des Moines, IA

What are the best companies a Risk Specialist can work for?

KPMG tops the list with the highest average salary for Risk Specialist jobs at $169,500. Wells Fargo and HII follow closely with salaries around $164,000 and $145,000, respectively. Deloitte, Amazon.com, and Huntington Bank offer competitive salaries for Risk Specialists, ranging from $136,000 to $101,000.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Risk Specialist jobs, highlighting KPMG with the highest at $169,500 and U.S. Bank with the lowest at $75,351.
  1. KPMG
    Average Salary: $169,500
    At KPMG, Risk Specialists manage and assess financial and operational risks. KPMG operates globally, with offices in major cities like New York, London, and Sydney. They offer a dynamic work environment with diverse opportunities.


  2. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $163,918
    Wells Fargo provides Risk Specialist roles with a focus on fraud prevention and financial risk management. The company has a nationwide presence with branches in cities like San Francisco and Charlotte. They emphasize teamwork and innovation.


  3. HII
    Average Salary: $145,361
    HII employs Risk Specialists in their defense and aerospace sectors. Operating in locations such as Newport News and Pascagoula, HII values risk management for its complex projects. They offer competitive benefits and a strong company culture.


  4. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $136,332
    Deloitte offers Risk Specialist positions across various industries. With offices in major cities like Chicago and Atlanta, Deloitte focuses on risk consulting and advisory services. They provide professional growth and global exposure.


  5. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $122,169
    Amazon.com hires Risk Specialists to manage supply chain and cybersecurity risks. Based in Seattle and other locations, Amazon fosters innovation and offers diverse career paths. They provide a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.


  6. Huntington Bank
    Average Salary: $101,283
    Huntington Bank offers Risk Specialist roles with a focus on credit and market risks. Operating in cities like Columbus and Cincinnati, Huntington Bank emphasizes community and customer service. They offer a stable and rewarding career.


  7. USI Insurance Services
    Average Salary: $90,242
    USI Insurance Services provides Risk Specialist positions with an emphasis on insurance risk management. Located in cities like Baltimore and Dallas, USI offers a supportive and collaborative environment. They focus on employee development.


  8. U.S. Bank
    Average Salary: $75,351
    U.S. Bank employs Risk Specialists to manage financial and credit risks. With branches in cities like Minneapolis and Phoenix, U.S. Bank values risk management for its banking operations. They offer a strong company culture and benefits.

How to earn more as a Risk Specialist?

A Risk Specialist plays a crucial role in identifying and managing risks for businesses. Increasing your earnings in this field involves several strategic steps. By focusing on these key factors, you can enhance your skills and market value.

First, gaining specialized certifications can make you more attractive to employers. Certifications like the Professional Risk Manager (PRM) or the Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst (CERA) demonstrate your expertise. Second, acquiring additional skills in areas like data analytics or cybersecurity can open new opportunities. These skills are highly valued in today's job market. Third, networking with other professionals in the industry can lead to job openings and salary negotiations. Attending industry conferences and joining professional groups can provide valuable connections.

To further boost your earnings, consider these additional steps. Gaining experience in different industries can make you more versatile. Employers often pay more for candidates with broad experience. Also, seeking mentorship from experienced Risk Specialists can provide insights and advice on career advancement. Finally, keeping your skills up-to-date with continuous education can lead to higher pay. Investing in your professional development shows a commitment to excellence.

By focusing on these factors, a Risk Specialist can increase their earning potential and advance their career.

  • Gain specialized certifications.
  • Acquire additional skills in data analytics or cybersecurity.
  • Network with other professionals in the industry.
  • Gain experience in different industries.
  • Seek mentorship from experienced Risk Specialists.

Currently 140 Risk Specialist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Risk Specialist in the US?

Learn what a Risk Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Risk Specialist today.
Position
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Risk Specialist
140 Job Openings