Head of Information Security Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Head of Information Security salary lies between USD 110,736 and USD 250,000 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: Dec. 22, 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 Risk management, Compliance and ISO 27001. 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:

Risk management | 19 jobs Compliance | 19 jobs ISO 27001 | 17 jobs Strategy | 13 jobs Governance | 11 jobs Audits | 10 jobs NIST | 10 jobs Security strategy | 10 jobs CISSP | 9 jobs CISM | 9 jobs Privacy | 9 jobs Computer Science | 9 jobs Cloud | 8 jobs SOC 2 | 7 jobs Incident response | 6 jobs SaaS | 5 jobs Agile | 5 jobs ISMS | 5 jobs Network security | 4 jobs Vulnerabilities | 4 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 vacation and Team events. 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 | 14 jobs Flex vacation | 8 jobs Team events | 6 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Health care | 5 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Flex hours | 4 jobs Equity / stock options | 3 jobs Startup environment | 3 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Insurance | 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 the remainder coming from stock options or other incentives. In high-tech industries or large multinational corporations, stock options and profit-sharing can be a more 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 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can enhance your credentials.
• Expand Your Role: Take on additional responsibilities, such as overseeing IT governance or risk management, to demonstrate your value to the organization.
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engage with industry peers through conferences and professional organizations to open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.
• Consider Relocation: Some regions, particularly tech hubs like Silicon Valley or major financial centers, may offer higher salaries for similar roles.
• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing compensation, highlight your achievements and the value you bring to the organization to negotiate a better package.

Educational Requirements

Most Head 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 in cybersecurity, information systems, or business administration (MBA) is increasingly preferred, especially in larger organizations. 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 crucial role in establishing credibility and expertise in the field of information security. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a Head of Information Security include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Recognized globally, this certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of information security.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on managing and governing information security programs.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Useful for those involved in auditing, control, and assurance.
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC): Emphasizes risk management and control.

Required Experience

Typically, a Head of Information Security is expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in the field, with a significant portion of that time spent in leadership or managerial roles. Experience should include a strong technical background in cybersecurity, as well as proven experience in developing and implementing security policies and procedures. Experience in risk management, compliance, and incident response is also highly valued.

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