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Data Governance Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Data Governance Manager make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Governance Manager in the United States is $137,565 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.

However, a Data Governance Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $178,578
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $125,620 to $159,033
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $114,745
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Data Governance Manager Salaries

A Data Governance Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Data Governance Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Data Governance Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Data Steward IV (7+ years): $134,020
  • Data Control Supervisor (7+ years): $87,334
  • Data Governance Supervisor (7+ years): $114,173
  • Data Governance Manager (7+ years): $137,565
  • Data Governance Senior Manager (7+ years): $166,058
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Data Steward IV7+ years$134,020
Data Control Supervisor7+ years$87,334
Data Governance Supervisor7+ years$114,173
Data Governance Manager7+ years$137,565
Data Governance Senior Manager7+ years$166,058
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How Do Data Governance Managers Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Data Governance Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $152,312.
  • California: $151,734.
  • Massachusetts: $149,712.

Top Paying Cities for Data Governance Manager

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $173,511
  • San Francisco: $171,611
  • Oakland: $167,994

Data Governance Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Data Governance Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $153,735. While startup companies pay approximate $130,044.

Data Governance Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $130,044
Growth Stage 51~500 $137,534
Established 501~5000 $148,450
Enterprise 5000+ $153,735

Data Governance Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Data Governance Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Data Governance Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Governance Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Data Governance Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$171,956$83.025%
Pharmaceuticals$162,327$78.018%
Insurance$158,200$76.015%
Energy & Utilities$154,073$74.012%
Biotechnology$151,322$73.010%

Data Governance Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Data Governance Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$125,620
Average $137,565/year
$159,033
$10,468
Average $11,464/month
$13,253
$2,416
Average $2,645/week
$3,058
$60
Average $66/hour
$76
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $159,033 $13,253 $3,058 $76
Average $137,565 $11,464 $2,645 $66
25th Percentile $125,620 $10,468 $2,416 $60

Data Governance Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Data Governance Manager

Next Role

For a Data Governance Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Data Governance Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $166,058 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Data Governance Manager

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Data Governance Manager

Here are companies hiring for Data Governance Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Data Governance Manager

1. Where can a Data Governance Manager earn the most?

A Data Governance Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Data Governance Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Data Governance Manager is $173,511.

2. What is the highest pay for Data Governance Manager?

The highest pay for Data Governance Manager is $178,578.

3. What is the lowest pay for Data Governance Manager?

The lowest pay for Data Governance Manager is $114,745.

4. What are the responsibilities of Data Governance Manager?

Manages data quality, security, and maintenance initiatives across the organization. Defines data elements and develops comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data. Oversees data testing protocols, collaborates with cross-functional teams to resolve data integrity issues, and ensures that data quality supports effective business operations. Drives the execution of data governance programs. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Data Governance Manager?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Governance Manager roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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