What to Know About Hiring and Salary Trends in Internal Audit

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Internal auditors have a unique vantage point in an organization. They see across departments and processes, observing how they operate and connect to achieve business goals. That breadth of exposure, paired with independence, makes them powerful advisers to senior leaders and boards.

Historically, internal audit was often viewed as a compliance function—but in many organizations, that perception is changing. Technology is helping to accelerate that shift. Global consulting firm Protiviti, a Robert Half subsidiary, explains in its recent white paper on AI and human collaboration in internal audit that forward-looking teams are using AI and advanced data analytics tools to move beyond compliance tasks and into strategy and risk management.

Protiviti also emphasizes that the evolution of internal audit has significant talent implications. Internal audit functions, it says, “must possess skills that embrace technology and ensure they are well-versed in generative AI and other advanced technologies.” With AI reshaping workflows and long-term skills shortages intensifying, the demand for adaptable professionals has never been higher.

The takeaway for job seekers? If you already have—or are ready to build—the skills today’s internal audit leaders are looking for, you’ll likely find many opportunities to grow your career and earn competitive compensation in a profession undergoing rapid transformation.

Hiring and Salary Trends in Internal Audit

What is the hiring outlook for internal audit?
Skills in demand in the internal audit field
Internal audit salary projections for 2026
Professional certifications that can give internal audit job seekers an edge
Internal audit careers can lead to the C-suite

What is the hiring outlook for internal audit?

As internal audit evolves from a compliance focus to a strategic one, the career outlook for professionals in this field is expanding just as quickly. Here’s what job seekers should know:

Demand for internal audit talent is strong and growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth rate in jobs for auditors and accountants from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Internal auditors are needed in almost every industry. Demand is especially strong in highly regulated sectors such as finance and healthcare, but opportunities can also be found in industries from manufacturing to technology. For candidates, that breadth translates into career versatility, with the chance to build experience in diverse environments, each with its own challenges and rewards.

Internal audit offers a platform for visibility and influence. Internal auditors don’t just review controls. They often sit at the table with business leaders, weighing in on risks, opportunities and performance. That level of access builds career capital and can open doors to other roles within the business, including leadership positions.

Internal audit roles are increasingly technology-enabled. Leading functions use advanced analytics and AI-driven tools to uncover insights faster and influence business strategy. As technology takes on more manual work in audit workflows, internal auditors have more time to focus on projects that they find fulfilling and add strategic value.

Skills in demand in the internal audit field

Today’s internal auditors need to possess a solid mix of technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Strong communication abilities, both written and verbal, especially critical, as internal auditors must often interact with a wide range of stakeholders inside and outside the organization.

Other skills, knowledge and experience in high demand in the profession include:

Risk management

Internal auditors must be able to evaluate and monitor risks across business functions, from compliance and financial reporting to operational and third-party relationships. Their work often involves reviewing vendor contracts to identify areas of exposure, recommending safeguards against supply chain disruptions, and assessing whether governance structures and internal controls are sufficient.

As organizations face evolving regulations, climate-related risks and the adoption of AI, internal auditors can help leadership anticipate issues and prepare effective responses.

Data analytics and AI fluency

Protiviti’s white paper makes clear that the modern internal audit workforce is one where teams are ready to apply AI and other advanced technology skills to be effective strategic advisers. That includes understanding how to work with generative AI (e.g., using effective prompts and queries) and remaining adaptable as advanced systems, such as agentic AI, enter the audit workflow.

Internal auditors must also be able to leverage analytics tools to perform continuous auditing, detect fraud and monitor operations in real time.

Cybersecurity and data security

Many organizations are leaning on their internal audit teams to evaluate how they manage cyber risks, from ransomware to data privacy regulations. While IT auditors take the lead on conducting the technical testing of controls, internal auditors can benefit the business by understanding leading cybersecurity frameworks and being able to assess whether an organization has effective governance and safeguards, including around the use of AI.

Internal audit salary projections for 2026

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What type of compensation can you expect to earn in the internal auditing profession in the year ahead? Starting compensation for the internal auditor roles listed in Robert Half’s 2026 Salary Guide can vary significantly based on a candidate’s skills, experience and certifications, as well as factors like industry, company size and revenue, and demand for the role.

Here’s a look at the “mid” level salaries, as categorized in our guide. That means the candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

Internal auditor: $85,750

Senior internal auditor: $105,750

Internal audit manager: $135,000

Director of internal audit: $200,000

These figures represent national medians—factors like industry, location and specialization can influence pay levels. To find out what internal auditor salaries are typical in your area, use our Salary Calculator. To see other salary levels for the roles listed above, consult our 2026 Salary Guide.

Professional certifications that can give internal audit job seekers an edge

Earning relevant certifications demonstrates a commitment to learning and career development. It can also improve your job prospects and increase your earning potential as an internal auditor.

The certified internal auditor (CIA) credential, for instance, is considered the gold standard for professionals in the internal audit profession. Offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the CIA demonstrates a high level of expertise in internal audit principles and practices.

Other top certifications for internal auditors include:

Chartered global management accountant (CGMA): Recognized globally, the CGMA designation focuses on management accounting and business strategy and is valuable for auditors working in strategic advisory roles.

Chartered financial analyst (CFA): Offered by the CFA Institute, the globally recognized CFA certification is considered one of the most prestigious credentials in the field of investment management and finance. The CFA is also highlighted in Robert Half’s 2026 Salary Guide as one of the most in-demand certifications in finance and accounting.

Certified fraud examiner (CFE): This certification provided by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is ideal for auditors focusing on fraud prevention and detection.

CPA: This widely recognized and respected finance and accounting certification is especially relevant for auditors who work in financial services or are focused on financial reporting. The Salary Guide also lists the CPA as one of the most in-demand credentials for 2026.

Certified information systems auditor (CISA): Issued by ISACA, the CISA designation is a must-have for auditors specializing in IT audit, cybersecurity and risk management.

Attaining relevant certifications like the CISA or the certified information security manager (CISM) credential (also from ISACA) can open the door to an IT auditing career, which focuses on assessing a company’s information systems, technology infrastructure and cybersecurity measures. Gaining practical experience in IT and knowledge in areas like IT governance are also vital to IT audit career success.

See Robert Half’s Salary Guide for projected compensation levels for IT auditor jobs in 2026.

Internal audit careers can lead to the C-suite

If you’re considering working as an internal auditor, be prepared for a demanding but rewarding career path. The profession offers variety, mobility across industries, strong earning potential, and the chance to help organizations shape how they manage risk and drive performance.

Continuous learning is essential for internal auditors, especially as AI continues to transform how audit work is conducted. Protiviti’s white paper on AI and human collaboration in internal audit notes that AI is already helping leading functions to complete tasks such as report drafting, meeting transcription, scheduling and interview preparation, and contract and policy reviews.

For candidates, the key to success in this dynamic field is adaptability. Employers value professionals who embrace change, are confident using new tools, expand their skill set proactively and continuously, and stay informed about leading best practices in their field, and in business.

Internal audit can also be a springboard to leadership, with many professionals advancing to C-level roles such as chief audit executive, chief risk officer or chief financial officer. Additionally, this profession provides a solid foundation for a consulting career.

Learn how skilled interim consultants help internal audit teams meet demands like the new Global Internal Audit Standards.

Start your search for internal audit jobs now

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From risk management to AI proficiency, today’s internal audit teams need professionals who can combine technical know-how with strategic insight. If you’re ready to bring those skills to the table—or take them to the next level—explore the latest internal audit job listing on Robert Half’s website.

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