An IT auditor is responsible for analyzing and assessing a company’s technological infrastructure to ensure processes and systems run accurately and efficiently while remaining secure and meeting compliance regulations.
Because information technology is so important to modern business, companies and organizations employ IT auditors ― professionals who identify pain points, opportunities for improvement, and new ways to address existing IT systems while making sure they are compliant with larger codes and guidelines.
In this article, we’ll talk about an IT auditor’s salary and every other thing you need to know about the profession.
Table of contents
What Does An IT Audit Do?
IT auditors assess the controls, reliability, and integrity of the company’s IT environment. Such audits provide stores of information about the company’s IT plan, policies, procedures, and strategies. Therefore, companies engage in these audits in order to uncover potential risks. They then use this information to make changes necessary for improving risk management and corporate efficiency.
When compared to financial auditing, IT auditing generally relies less on accounting knowledge and more heavily on information system knowledge (but not exactly computer science).
For junior IT auditors, work involves:
- reading through the system reports and IT policies
- pulling samples and performing testing
- doing walk-throughs
- interviewing clients
How Much Does An IT Audit Make?
According to Indeed, the average salary for an IT auditor is $101,804 per year in the United States and a $7,500 cash bonus per year.
The average pay range for an Information Technology Auditor varies greatly (by as much as $27,000), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.
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Entry-Level IT Auditor Salary
The average Entry Level Auditor salary in the United States is $62,001, but the range typically falls between $56,201 and $68,101.
After 1-3 years of IT auditing experience, yougraduateto a junior IT auditor with a salary of $64,000 to $122,000.
Highest Paying Cities For IT Auditors In The United States
We’ve identified 10 top cities where Information Technology Auditors earn above the national average. Topping the list is San Francisco, CA, with Fremont, CA and San Jose, CA close behind in the second and third positions.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $117,790 | $9,816 | $2,265 | $56.63 |
| Fremont, CA | $114,699 | $9,558 | $2,206 | $55.14 |
| San Jose, CA | $110,470 | $9,206 | $2,124 | $53.11 |
| Oakland, CA | $109,348 | $9,112 | $2,103 | $52.57 |
| Jackson, WY | $109,308 | $9,109 | $2,102 | $52.55 |
| Hayward, CA | $107,262 | $8,939 | $2,063 | $51.57 |
| Seattle, WA | $106,728 | $8,894 | $2,052 | $51.31 |
| Vallejo, CA | $106,705 | $8,892 | $2,052 | $51.30 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $106,455 | $8,871 | $2,047 | $51.18 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $105,831 | $8,819 | $2,035 | $50.88 |
Top Companies For IT Auditors In The United States
Here’s a list of the top companies for IT auditors in the U.S.
| Company | Salary |
| PwC | $80,731/yr |
| KPMG | $75,962/yr |
| EY | $85,768/yr |
| Deloitte | $66,470 /yr |
| RGP | $96,228/yr |
| Kearney & Company | $67,860/yr |
| Wells Fargo | $72,460/yr |
| Crowe | $73,321/yr |
| Santander | $73,548/yr |
| Grant Thornton | $73,994/yr |
How To Become an IT Auditor
The specific requirements for becoming an IT auditor can vary. However, there are common steps to becoming an IT auditor in the U.S.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as cybersecurity, can be helpful in obtaining a position on the IT auditor career path.
However, Infosec notes that because auditing is a key component of the position, many professionals enter this role from other industries in which audits are common, such as finance or law.
Recommended: 15 Best Cyber Security Schools in the World 2023 | Rankings
2. Gain On-the-Job Experience
As an IT auditor, you need to obtain professional experience in information technology, to not only enhance your understanding of IT systems and architectures but also know the steps to take to help them improve.
Because auditing is a core component of the position, obtaining professional experience in a field in which audits are common, such as accounting or finance, can be of immense help as you journey the career path.
3. Earn Certifications and a Master’s Degree (optional)
Along with earning a BS in cybersecurity, there are several certifications that can help IT auditors obtain more competitive positions and responsibilities. One is Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), which is offered by Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
This credential helps establish IT, auditors, as experts in information systems auditing, IT governance/management, and other fields.
Another key credential from ISACA is the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification. Obtaining this can indicate to employers that a professional holds a firm background in IT risk assessment, response, and reporting.
A master’s degree helps aspiring and current IT auditors deepen their knowledge bases of information technology and risk assessment, developing a deeper appreciation for how particular operating systems and software platforms function.
READ ALSO: 20 Best IT Certifications for Beginners in 2023
What Skills Do You Need To Become An IT Auditor?
The skills you need as an IT auditor will vary depending on your specific role and industry. Nonetheless, there’s a general set of skills that all IT auditors need to be successful. Some of the most commonly sought skills for IT auditor candidates include:
- IT security and infrastructure
- Internal audit
- IT risk
- Data analysis
- Data analysis and visualization tools (ACL, MS Excel, SAS, Tableau)
- Security risk management
- Security testing and auditing
- Computer security
- Internal auditing standards including SOX, MAR, COSO and COBIT
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- Communication skills
FAQs On IT Auditors Salary
The average salary for an IT auditor is $101,804 per year in the United States and a $7,500 cash bonus per year.
The lowest salary for an IT Auditor in United States is $57,488 per year.
Those in IT auditing can typically expect to work between 50-55 hours per week during busy season (e.g., from 8:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday).
The answer to this question depends on your personal strengths and preferences. Nonetheless, IT audit jobs tends to have lower stress and shorter hours than public accounting in some scenarios, but you’ll also make less money and may need to travel.
Conclusion
As regulatory requirements continue to increase, there’s an ever-growing demand for auditors, especially in the technology and cybersecurity space. Auditing skills apply across industries, including financial services, manufacturing, consumer goods, and insurance.
References
- glassdoor.com – How much does an IT Auditor make?
- indeed.com – IT Auditor salary in United States
- ziprecruiter.com – Information Technology Auditor Salary
- online.maryville.edu – How To Become An IT Auditor
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