10 Data Governance Jobs and What You Need to Get Started

Key takeaways

Examples of data governance jobs include data governance analyst, data steward, data governance manager, and data privacy officer.

• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 4 percent growth rate between 2024 and 2034 for database administrator and architect roles [1].

• Other roles involving data governance include chief data officer, data quality manager, and data custodian.

• You can earn a degree in data management or computer science to begin your career in data governance.

Discover 10 jobs in data governance, their average annual salaries, and the requirements to qualify for each role. If you’re ready to begin developing your skills related to this field, enroll in the IBM Data Engineering Professional Certificate. In as little as six months, you can learn about database administration, data analysis, database design, Python programming, and more.

What does a data governance role do?

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

Is data governance a good career?

If you’re looking for a data or governance job, now may be the time to pursue it. The BLS predicts a 4 percent growth rate between 2024 and 2034 for database administrator and architect roles, which is about as fast as the average for all other occupations [1].

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 data quality manager. These roles require varying levels of education and experience. 

*All average annual base salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of May 2026 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

1. Data governance analyst

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $109,000

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 a company's legal department and cybersecurity leads.

2. Data steward

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $64,000

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

Data stewards enforce data management rules and regulations. Their responsibilities may include classifying data, ensuring data quality, and developing the latest policies and procedures for data security.

3. Chief data officer (CDO)

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $179,000

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 data collection strategies.

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

4. Data governance manager

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $122,000

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): $105,000

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

Data quality managers help ensure that a company’s data is up to standard, simplifying predictive analysis, decision-making, and analytics. 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): $102,000

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

Sometimes called data protection officers, data privacy officers inform others of data governance initiatives and help enforce cybersecurity protocols. You may also help respond to cyberattacks and prevent future data breaches.

You may need additional experience beyond completing an undergraduate degree for this role. Some employers may prefer you to have professional experience working in cybersecurity and risk management before this job.

Read more: What Is Risk Management Certification?

7. Data trustee

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $97,765

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 its data regulation and privacy policies. You ensure that using a university’s data meets standards and may select data stewards to assist your university’s data governance team.

8. Database architect

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $142,000

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 where 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): $114,252

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): $49,000

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

Also known as an extract, transform, load developer, or ETL developer, a data custodian has a similar role to 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, years of experience, or 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. 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 data management, data modeling, and data governance. You may pursue this certification at four levels, all requiring varying levels of professional experience (e.g., CDMP Associate, CDMP Practitioner, and CDMP Master).

• 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 (IAPP), explores the application and knowledge of data privacy laws.

Discover more about data with our free resources

Subscribe to our Career Chat newsletter on LinkedIn for industry insights, skill-building tips, and networking opportunities. Then, explore our free resources for learning more about data:

• Watch on YouTube: Data Warehouse vs. Database: Which One Do You Need?

• Read our Career Chat issue: Data Breach Scare? Here’s How to Respond Smartly

• Explore certificates: 7 Data Analytics Certificates to Know

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