Risk management professionals across North America have experienced substantial pay increases, according to the RIMS 2025 Compensation Survey. Salaries for risk professionals rose 11% in the US and 15% in Canada since the last survey in 2023. Chief risk officers and vice-presidents of risk management saw the largest gains, with median salaries rising 16% in the US to US$245,000 and 15% in Canada to US$225,000.

“There are many factors that reaffirm the immense value business leaders place on risk management, but few are more compelling than the salary increases highlighted in this year’s RIMS Compensation Survey,” said RIMS CEO Gary A. LaBranche, FASAE, CAE.

Around 40% of North American risk professionals with an industry-related designation or certification reported recognition from their employers, either financial or non-financial. Two in three US respondents and 88% of Canadian respondents hold at least one certification, mirroring trends from 2023.

Median annual base salaries rose across the board, reaching US$160,000 in the US, up from US$144,300, and US$140,000 in Canada, compared with US$122,000 two years earlier. The survey also provides insight into team structures, reporting lines and additional cash compensation programs, offering a detailed view of the sector.

“Around the world risk professionals are driving organisational growth and innovation," LaBranche added. "RIMS is proud to provide this resource for them to sustain that momentum and advance their careers.”

The survey drew responses from 1,068 risk professionals employed in the US or Canada as of June 2025, including 867 from the US and 201 from Canada.

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