Head of Information Security Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Head of Information Security salary lies between USD 140,000 and USD 200,000 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: Nov. 10, 2024

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 | 42 jobs Strategy | 30 jobs ISO 27001 | 27 jobs CISSP | 26 jobs CISM | 26 jobs Risk management | 26 jobs Computer Science | 25 jobs Risk assessment | 22 jobs Security strategy | 22 jobs Incident response | 19 jobs Governance | 19 jobs Privacy | 18 jobs SOC | 18 jobs Audits | 17 jobs NIST | 17 jobs Vulnerabilities | 16 jobs GDPR | 15 jobs Cloud | 15 jobs CISA | 11 jobs SOC 2 | 10 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 | 32 jobs Health care | 16 jobs Startup environment | 14 jobs Team events | 12 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Salary bonus | 10 jobs Flex hours | 8 jobs Competitive pay | 8 jobs Insurance | 8 jobs Wellness | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Head of Information Security

The salary for a Head 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 largest portion, ranging from 70% to 85% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, often between 10% to 20%, depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger companies or tech-heavy industries and can make up 5% to 15% of the total package.

Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Industry-wise, sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of information security in these fields. Company size can also influence salary composition, with larger organizations typically offering more comprehensive compensation packages.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary beyond the Head of Information Security role, consider pursuing executive-level positions such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO). These roles often come with higher compensation and broader responsibilities. Additionally, expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or cybersecurity risk management can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles, attending conferences, and publishing thought leadership articles can also enhance your visibility and open up higher-paying opportunities.

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 for roles in larger organizations or those with a strategic focus. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of information security, making candidates more competitive.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field, and several are particularly beneficial for a Head of Information Security role. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is one of the most recognized and respected certifications, covering a broad range of security topics. Other valuable certifications include Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and provide assurance of your skills and knowledge to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Head of Information Security should have at least 10 to 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 security challenges they present.

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