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Here is a look at some of the main differences between a lead implementer and a lead auditor.
Lead Implementer:
The main duty of a Lead Implementer is to design and construct an AI Management System (AIMS) in accordance with ISO/IEC 42001. They provide guidelines, risk mitigation strategies, and protocols to use AI morally and oversee its daily operations.
Essentially, a Lead Implementer is completely responsible for putting the AI system into practice and for its day-to-day smooth running. A Lead Implementer can advance to positions like Chief Risk Officer or AI Governance Manager, and they usually have IT/GRC backgrounds.
It can, therefore, safely be said that a lead implementor is definitely the next big role when it comes to AI governance. Though lead implementer salaries aren’t listed yet, they are expected to be higher because of wider responsibilities.
If you’re planning to become a certified professional, our GAICC ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Lead Implementer Certification Exam Guide explains the eligibility, syllabus, and step-by-step process to get certified.
Lead Auditor:
A Lead Auditor independently clarifies whether or not an organization’s AIMS conforms with ISO/IEC 42001. They look into non-conformities, organize and carry out internal or external audits, and reassure stakeholders that AI systems adhere to the standard. The main priority of auditors is evaluation over design.
The bottom line here is that while the implementer takes full responsibility for AI implementation, the auditor verifies the system’s compliance. As a lead auditor, you can pursue careers as consultants, senior auditors, or certification body representatives in a variety of industries. The salary for the auditor falls between 85k–120k AUD in Australia.
Both positions are in equal demand across businesses.
ISO/IEC 42001, which was released in December 2023, is quite recent, which makes listing down no direct wage data difficult. However, here we can employ proxies such as ISO lead auditors and AI Governance Specialists. AI governance positions in Australia already pay well:
However, it is important to understand that these are approximations; actual compensation will vary depending on your abilities, industry, and firm size.
Here’s a look at an estimate for ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Implementer salaries in Australia.
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 yrs) | US$60,000 – US$79,000 |
| Mid (3–7 yrs) | US$79,000– US$100,000 |
| Senior (>7 yrs) | US$100,000 – US$130,000+ |
*It is important to understand that these estimates are based on salaries for Governance Specialists, ISO Lead Auditors, and AI Governance professionals in Australia.
As the use of AI in businesses grows, the need for AI governance is becoming crucial. Other nations are releasing AI ethical rules, and it is expected that the EU’s AI Act will fully take effect in 2026. This ensures that businesses address AI risk immediately with the auditable AIMS framework provided by ISO/IEC 42001 in place.
Here is why the certification can be worth it:
With the certification, you are at the forefront of a new wave of compliance, which many analysts view as essential for risk mitigation. So, to sum it up, the certificate is definitely worth it for a career boost and a salary hike.
The main aim of the government and larger enterprises using ISO 42001 is to show ethical AI use. Did you know that KPMG Australia was the first company in the world to receive this certification?
Some of the main reasons top companies are hiring ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Implementers include:
The bottom line here is that any company that uses AI will need qualified implementers to set up ethical, compliant AI systems. This is because implementers are responsible for building systems, not just auditing them.
If you’d like to see which industries are hiring the most and what kind of roles are in demand, take a look at our guide on Top Lead Implementer Career Opportunities in Australia.
Here is a list of the factors that influence ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Implementer salaries:
Essentially, at the end of the day, the complexity of your role, the extent to which AI is used in your industry, and your special blend of AI, governance, and auditing skills will all be reflected in your pay.
Definitely, because having prior knowledge of ISO 27001 is highly valued, as the ISO 42001 builds upon its very foundations. A candidate with ISO 27001 experience is able to implement 42001 30–40% faster since several clauses overlap. Aspects like risk management, incident response, training, and audit procedures are directly transferred from 27001 to 42001. As a result, ISO/IEC 27001 lead implementers or auditors frequently earn salaries that are higher than those of ISO 42001.
For a deeper look at how these two standards connect and differ, check out our guide on ISO/IEC 42001 vs ISO/IEC 27001
Here is a look at the global salary comparison for ISO/IEC 42001 lead implementers:
| Country | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Australia | US$79,000 – US$120,000 |
| United States | US$100,000 – US$150,000 |
| United Kingdom | US$79,000 – US$120,000 |
| India | US$11,300 – US$34,000 |
*It is important to understand that these are estimates based on comparable roles like AI Governance Specialist and ISO Lead Auditor.
Let us have a look at some of the high-paying job roles for ISO/IEC 42001-Certified Professionals.
GAICC offers self-paced ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Implementer training designed to build practical capability in creating, implementing, and overseeing an Artificial Intelligence Management System. The program focuses on AIMS governance, lifecycle controls, risk management, and audit preparation, enabling learners to develop applied competence aligned with ISO/IEC 42001 requirements.
The first thing you need to understand is that ISO/IEC 42001 is the first international AI management standard. With a surge in demand for AI and new laws in place, organizations need certified experts to navigate AI risks. Making it an opportune field.
Lead auditors often earn between US$100K and US$135K internationally.
ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditors typically make between US$100,000 and US$135,000 annually. Lead-auditor positions in Australia typically pay between US$60K and US$79K, depending on the industry and level of experience.
Industries like government, healthcare, finance, and technology sectors are leading the way in this aspect. According to surveys, the industries with the highest AI governance salaries are technology, healthcare, and finance.
While contracting is able to pay a high premium, the daily fees for many consulting positions range from US$560 to US$820+. That is 20–30% more than comparable paid positions, indicative of the niche demand for qualified ISO 42001 practitioners who can offer project consultations.
A globally certified instructor in ISO/IEC, PMI®, TOGAF®, SAFe®, and Scrum.org disciplines. With over three years’ hands-on experience in ISO/IEC 42001 AI governance, he delivers training and consulting across New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the UAE, combining high-end credentials with practical, real-world expertise and global reach.
