Head of Information Security Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Head of Information Security salary lies between USD 105,805 and USD 200,000 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. 29, 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 Compliance, Strategy and ISO 27001. 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 | 47 jobs Strategy | 35 jobs ISO 27001 | 31 jobs Risk management | 30 jobs CISSP | 29 jobs CISM | 28 jobs Computer Science | 26 jobs Security strategy | 25 jobs Risk assessment | 24 jobs Incident response | 23 jobs Privacy | 22 jobs Governance | 21 jobs GDPR | 19 jobs SOC | 19 jobs Audits | 18 jobs NIST | 18 jobs Vulnerabilities | 17 jobs Cloud | 17 jobs Security assessment | 13 jobs CISA | 13 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, Health care and Startup environment. 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 | 37 jobs Health care | 18 jobs Startup environment | 18 jobs Equity / stock options | 14 jobs Team events | 14 jobs Salary bonus | 13 jobs Flex hours | 11 jobs Competitive pay | 11 jobs Insurance | 8 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Flex vacation | 3 jobs Travel | 2 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 2 jobs Paid sabbatical | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Head of Information Security

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 benefits. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size.

• Region: In North America, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher, with substantial bonuses and stock options. In Europe, the base salary might be slightly lower, but benefits such as healthcare and pension contributions are often more generous.
• Industry: In industries like finance and technology, bonuses can be a significant part of the compensation package, sometimes reaching up to 30% of the base salary. In contrast, public sector roles might offer lower bonuses but more job security and benefits.
• Company Size: Larger companies often provide more comprehensive compensation packages, including higher bonuses and stock options, while smaller companies might offer a higher base salary to attract talent but with fewer additional perks.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

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

• Expand Your Role: Take on additional responsibilities, such as overseeing IT operations or risk management, to increase your value to the organization.
• Pursue Executive Education: Enroll in executive education programs or an MBA to enhance your leadership skills and business acumen.
• Network and Build Influence: Engage with industry peers and participate in conferences to build a strong professional network, which can lead to new opportunities.
• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing compensation, highlight your achievements and the value you bring to the company to negotiate better terms.

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 can be highly advantageous and is often preferred by larger organizations.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a Head of Information Security role. Some of the most recognized 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 your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate.

Required Experience

Typically, a Head of Information Security is expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity roles. This experience should include:

• Leadership roles in managing security teams
• Proven track record of developing and implementing security strategies
• Experience with risk management and compliance
• Hands-on experience with security technologies and incident response

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