Director of Information Security Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Director of Information Security salary lies between USD 171,500 and USD 240,000 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: Dec. 15, 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 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 is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can range from 10-20%, depending on the company's profitability and the individual's performance. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can vary significantly based on the company's size and industry.

In the tech industry, particularly in regions like Silicon Valley, stock options can be a substantial part of the compensation package. In contrast, in more traditional industries or smaller companies, the focus might be more on the base salary and cash bonuses. Geographic location also plays a role; for instance, salaries in major metropolitan areas tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job markets.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary further from the position of Director of Information Security, consider the following strategies:

• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your credentials and justify a higher salary.
• Expand Your Role: Take on additional responsibilities or projects that demonstrate your leadership and strategic impact on the organization. This can position you for promotions or salary negotiations.
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engage with industry peers through conferences, seminars, and professional organizations. Networking can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles in other companies.
• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing salary, be prepared with data on industry standards and your contributions to the company. Highlight your achievements and the value you bring to the organization.

Educational Requirements

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, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on information security or a Master of Science in Information Security, is increasingly preferred. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of information security, which is crucial for leadership roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications play a significant role in establishing credibility and expertise in the field of information security. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a Director of Information Security 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 comprehensive understanding of information security principles and practices, which is essential for a leadership role.

Required Experience

Typically, a Director of Information Security is expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in the field of information security or IT, with a significant portion of that time spent in managerial or leadership roles. 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 in these sectors.

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