Director of Information Security Salary in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average Director of Information Security salary lies between USD 148,000 and USD 252,000 in the United States. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). 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, SOC 2 and Privacy. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 11 jobs SOC 2 | 10 jobs Privacy | 9 jobs Incident response | 8 jobs Strategy | 8 jobs GDPR | 8 jobs Cloud | 8 jobs Risk management | 7 jobs Audits | 6 jobs CISSP | 6 jobs CISM | 6 jobs Governance | 6 jobs AWS | 5 jobs Azure | 5 jobs ISO 27001 | 5 jobs CCPA | 5 jobs NIST | 4 jobs Monitoring | 4 jobs Vulnerability management | 3 jobs Vulnerabilities | 3 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, Flex hours and Flex vacation. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 11 jobs Flex hours | 8 jobs Flex vacation | 7 jobs Health care | 7 jobs Team events | 7 jobs Startup environment | 6 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Equity / stock options | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Competitive pay | 4 jobs Insurance | 4 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 3 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs Pet friendly | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Director of Information Security

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 5% to 15% 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 demand for skilled professionals. Industry-wise, sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of information security in these fields.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Director Position

To increase your salary beyond the Director level, consider pursuing roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or other executive-level positions. These roles typically offer higher compensation and greater responsibility. Networking within industry circles and attending relevant conferences can open doors to such opportunities. Additionally, specializing in emerging areas like cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or regulatory compliance can make you more valuable to employers. Pursuing advanced certifications or an executive MBA can also enhance your qualifications and bargaining power.

Educational Requirements for a Director of Information Security

Most Directors of Information Security hold at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or business administration is increasingly preferred, especially for those aiming for higher-level positions. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of information security, which is crucial for strategic decision-making.

Helpful Certifications for Information Security Directors

Certifications are highly valued in the field of information security. Common and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a comprehensive understanding of security principles and practices.

Experience Required for a Director of Information Security

Typically, a Director of Information Security is expected to have at least 8 to 10 years of experience in the field. This experience should include a mix of technical roles, such as security analyst or engineer, and managerial positions, such as security manager or team lead. Experience in developing and implementing security policies, managing security teams, and handling security incidents is crucial. Additionally, experience in specific industries can be beneficial, as it provides insight into industry-specific security challenges and regulations.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?