Head of Information Security Salary in 2022

Salary details

The average Head of Information Security salary lies between USD 125,000 and USD 244,000 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. 24, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Head of Information Security roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Head of Information Security job listings are Strategy, Compliance and Cloud. 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:

Strategy | 21 jobs Compliance | 20 jobs Cloud | 18 jobs SOC 2 | 15 jobs ISO 27001 | 13 jobs GDPR | 13 jobs NIST | 10 jobs Pentesting | 10 jobs Security strategy | 9 jobs Governance | 9 jobs FinTech | 9 jobs Privacy | 9 jobs Monitoring | 9 jobs CISSP | 8 jobs Computer Science | 8 jobs Audits | 7 jobs Incident response | 7 jobs SOC | 7 jobs Banking | 6 jobs CISM | 6 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Head of Information Security job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Equity / stock options. 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 | 22 jobs Flex hours | 17 jobs Equity / stock options | 13 jobs Health care | 12 jobs Competitive pay | 12 jobs Parental leave | 11 jobs Flex vacation | 11 jobs Startup environment | 9 jobs Team events | 7 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Transparency | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Wellness | 3 jobs Medical leave | 3 jobs Insurance | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Flat hierarchy | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Head of Information Security typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In North America and Western Europe, the base salary often constitutes 70-80% of the total compensation package, with bonuses making up 10-20%, and additional remuneration accounting for the remaining 5-10%. In high-tech industries or large multinational corporations, stock options or equity can be a significant part of the package. In contrast, smaller companies or those in less lucrative industries might offer a higher percentage of the total compensation as a fixed salary with smaller bonuses.

Increasing Salary

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

• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CISA can enhance your credentials and justify a higher salary.
• Expand Your Role: Take on additional responsibilities, such as overseeing IT governance or risk management, to increase your value to the organization.
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engage with industry peers and participate in conferences to increase your visibility and open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.
• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing salary, highlight your achievements, the value you bring to the company, and market salary data to support your case for a raise.

Educational Requirements

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field for a Head of Information Security position. Some organizations may prefer or require a master's degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or business administration (MBA) with a focus on technology management. A strong educational background provides a solid foundation in technical skills and strategic thinking necessary for the role.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the field of information security, as they demonstrate expertise and commitment to the profession. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a Head 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 are widely recognized and can significantly enhance your qualifications for the role.

Required Experience

Typically, a Head of Information Security is expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in the IT or cybersecurity field. This experience should include a mix of technical roles, such as security analyst or engineer, and managerial positions, such as security manager or director. 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 advantageous due to the unique regulatory requirements.

Want to contribute?