Director of Information Security Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Director of Information Security salary lies between USD 159,952 and USD 228,700 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Director of Information Security roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Director of Information Security job listings are Compliance, CISSP and Strategy. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 20 jobs CISSP | 15 jobs Strategy | 14 jobs Incident response | 13 jobs SOC 2 | 12 jobs Privacy | 11 jobs ISO 27001 | 10 jobs GDPR | 10 jobs CISM | 10 jobs Monitoring | 10 jobs Audits | 9 jobs CISA | 9 jobs Cloud | 9 jobs Risk assessment | 8 jobs Risk management | 8 jobs Governance | 8 jobs SOC | 8 jobs IDS | 5 jobs IPS | 5 jobs Firewalls | 5 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Director of Information Security roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Director of Information Security job listings are Career development, Health care and Competitive pay. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 12 jobs Health care | 10 jobs Competitive pay | 8 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Parental leave | 7 jobs Insurance | 7 jobs Equity / stock options | 6 jobs Flex hours | 6 jobs Flex vacation | 5 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Fertility benefits | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Director of Information Security typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the largest portion, ranging from 60% to 80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, often between 10% to 30%, depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger companies or tech-heavy industries and can make up 10% to 20% of the total package. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the Director of Information Security position, consider pursuing roles with broader responsibilities, such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO). These roles often come with higher compensation packages. Additionally, expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or regulatory compliance can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles and attending high-profile conferences can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Lastly, consider negotiating your current compensation package by highlighting your achievements and the value you bring to the organization.

Educational Requirements

Most Director of Information Security positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on information security or a Master of Science in Information Security, is often preferred. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of both the technical and managerial aspects of information security, which is crucial for a director-level role.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a Director of Information Security role. Common and highly regarded certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate.

Required Experience

Typically, a Director of Information Security is expected to have at least 10 to 15 years of experience in the information security field. This experience should include a mix of technical roles, such as security analyst or engineer, and managerial positions, such as security manager or senior security consultant. Experience in developing and implementing security policies, managing security teams, and handling security incidents is crucial. Additionally, experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be beneficial due to the unique regulatory requirements.

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