Director of Information Security Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Director of Information Security salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 202,779 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, CISSP and Risk management. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 30 jobs CISSP | 21 jobs Risk management | 21 jobs CISM | 20 jobs NIST | 19 jobs Incident response | 18 jobs Strategy | 18 jobs Privacy | 17 jobs Cloud | 17 jobs ISO 27001 | 16 jobs Risk assessment | 15 jobs Monitoring | 15 jobs Computer Science | 15 jobs Governance | 14 jobs SOC | 14 jobs Vulnerabilities | 13 jobs GDPR | 13 jobs Audits | 12 jobs SOC 2 | 12 jobs HIPAA | 11 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 Flex vacation. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 24 jobs Health care | 22 jobs Flex vacation | 18 jobs Equity / stock options | 15 jobs Flex hours | 14 jobs Competitive pay | 14 jobs Startup environment | 12 jobs Team events | 12 jobs Medical leave | 11 jobs Insurance | 11 jobs Parental leave | 10 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs Travel | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 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 majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 60% to 80%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, often making up 10% to 20% of the total compensation, depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can account for 5% to 15%, particularly in larger companies or tech-heavy industries.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City may offer higher base salaries and more substantial stock options due to the competitive market. Industry also plays a role; financial services and technology sectors often provide higher bonuses compared to non-profit or government roles. Company size can influence the package as well, with larger organizations typically offering more comprehensive benefits and stock options.

Steps to Increase Salary from This 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 often come with higher compensation packages, including larger bonuses and more significant stock options. Networking within the industry and building a strong professional reputation can open doors to these opportunities.

Additionally, expanding your skill set to include business acumen and strategic planning can make you a more attractive candidate for higher-level positions. Pursuing advanced certifications or an MBA can also enhance your qualifications. Engaging in thought leadership, such as speaking at conferences or publishing articles, can further establish your expertise and increase your visibility in the field.

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, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree, such as a Master of Science in Information Security or an MBA with a focus on information systems. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of the role, making candidates more competitive.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the field of information security and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized 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)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

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

Required Experience

Typically, a Director of Information Security is expected to have at least 8 to 10 years of experience in information security or a related field. This experience should include a mix of technical expertise and managerial responsibilities. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading security teams, developing security policies, and managing security incidents. Experience in risk management, compliance, and strategic planning is also highly valued.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?