10 Data Governance Jobs and What You Need to Get Started

Data governance is the process of keeping a business’s data accurate, accessible, and secure. When you work in a data governance job, you ensure the protocol surrounding the protection of data is upheld. Data governance roles may oversee the security of data or create policies for businesses to keep their data safe.

If you’re looking for a job in data or data governance, now may be the time to pursue it. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9 percent growth rate between 2023 and 2033 for database administrator and architect roles [1]. This is faster than average compared to all other occupations [1].

Discover 10 jobs in data governance, their average annual salaries, and the requirements to qualify for each role. Learn more about how to begin your career in data governance based on educational requirements, experience, and certifications.

10 data governance jobs to explore

To pursue a career in data governance, explore these potential roles, ranging from a data governance analyst to a master data manager. These roles require varying levels of education and experience. 

*All annual base salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of November 2024 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

1. Data governance analyst

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $113,053

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data management, or a related field

As a data governance analyst, you craft policies and strategies to protect the use of data in a company. You ensure that data remains safe and that data governing and analyzing operations run smoothly and effectively. In this role, you may work alongside the legal department of a company, as well as cybersecurity leads.

2. Data steward

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $75,784

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computational science, or related field

Data stewards act as enforcers of data management rules and regulations. In this role, your responsibilities may include classifying data, ensuring the quality of data, and developing the latest policies and procedures for data security.

3. Chief data officer

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $207,152

Requirements: Professional experience; Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, technology, or a related major

Chief data officers are responsible for managing the quality of a company’s data and ensuring it adheres to any and all security and privacy protocols. You may work alongside a company’s chief information officer to create safe and secure strategies for collecting and storing data.

As a chief data officer, you must be well-versed in information technology and business practices. You should be a strong communicator and consultant.

4. Data governance manager

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $137,049

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related major

As a data governance manager, you lead the efforts to maintain protected and accessible data for an organization. You ensure that other members of the data governance team implement strategies effectively, and in turn, they may look to you for guidance, collaboration, and support.

5. Data quality manager

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $123,001

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in computer science, information technology, business analytics, or a related field

Data quality managers help to ensure that a company’s data is up to standard, making it easy to use in the future for predictive analysis, decision-making, and analytics purposes. To become a data quality manager, you should have strong critical-thinking skills, as you may have to analyze data metrics and problem-solve.

6. Data privacy officer

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $104,528

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in information security, computer science, or a related major

Sometimes referred to as data protection officers, data privacy officers inform others of data governance initiatives and help enforce cybersecurity protocol. You may also help respond to cyberattacks and prevent the future breach of data.

For this role, you may need additional experience beyond the completion of an undergraduate degree. Some employers may prefer you to have professional experience working in cybersecurity and risk management prior to this job.

7. Data trustee

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $95,561

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computational science, or related field

As a data trustee, you typically work in a senior position for a university and implement their data regulation and privacy policies. You ensure that the use of a university’s data meets standards set in place and may select data stewards to assist your university’s data governance team.

8. Database architect

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $115,351

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a field related to information technology or business

As a database architect, you create models for databases and the databases themselves. In this role, you ensure that a database operates efficiently and effectively, troubleshoot potential errors, and craft the system in which data may require analysis from scientists and analysts.

To become a database architect, you must have knowledge of programming and coding languages and database management systems.

9. Data and compliance officer

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $112,795

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in business, law, finance, or a related major

The role of a data and compliance officer is similar to that of a compliance officer at many organizations. As a data and compliance officer, your tasks involve risk management and developing and implementing security policies.

10. Data custodian

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $94,333

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, math, information systems, or a related field; knowledge of programming languages

Also known as an ETL developer, a data custodian has a similar role to that of a data steward. Many of your tasks revolve around managing technology that protects a company’s data security. You may report to a data steward on your team and must receive their approval before collecting and storing data.

How to get started in data governance

To start your career in data governance, consider earning a bachelor’s degree and exploring data-related certifications. Employers may hire or interview you based on your educational background, your years of experience, or your quest for knowledge through earning certifications.

Education

The typical entry-level requirement for a role in data governance is a bachelor’s degree with a major in data management or a related subject such as computer science. If you want to expand your prospects, consider earning an advanced degree—such as a master’s degree in cybersecurity or data analytics.

Experience

The more experience you have, the more likely you are to earn a higher salary or advance toward a senior or managerial position. You may gain experience in data governance by pursuing entry-level cybersecurity roles, such as working as a security auditor or security analyst.

Certifications

You may pursue certification to enhance your data skills, stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs, or gain a deeper understanding of data and data governance:

• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP): The CDMP certification, offered by DAMA International, focuses on managing data, data modeling, and data governance. You may pursue this certification at four levels, all of which require varying levels of professional experience; CDMP associate, CDMP practitioner, CDMP master, and CDMP fellow.

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): The CISSP certification, offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), requires five years of professional experience and aims to teach you how to effectively lead security initiatives for a company.

• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP): The CIPP certification, offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals, explores the application and knowledge of data privacy laws.

Data governance next steps on Coursera

In a data governance job, your focus is on keeping data secure and accessible. Whether you lead the charge in a management position or work behind the scenes to create data security protocol, your role leads to the protection of a business’s data.

Begin your career in data governance by earning credentials to enhance your knowledge and stand out to future employers. Consider the course Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere offered by Google, or Meta’s Introduction to Data Management course on Coursera to start learning today.