Head of Security Salary in 2022

Salary details

The average Head of Security salary lies between USD 200,000 and USD 220,000 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. 17, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Head of Security roles

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

Cloud | 16 jobs Compliance | 15 jobs Incident response | 12 jobs Strategy | 12 jobs Privacy | 11 jobs Monitoring | 11 jobs Audits | 9 jobs AWS | 9 jobs Security strategy | 9 jobs SOC 2 | 8 jobs Blockchain | 7 jobs Computer Science | 7 jobs Vulnerabilities | 6 jobs Analytics | 6 jobs Cryptography | 6 jobs Automation | 6 jobs Application security | 6 jobs SIEM | 5 jobs Network security | 5 jobs Vulnerability management | 5 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Head of Security roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Head of Security job listings are Career development, Startup environment 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 | 16 jobs Startup environment | 14 jobs Equity / stock options | 8 jobs Competitive pay | 8 jobs Team events | 8 jobs Flex vacation | 7 jobs Health care | 6 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Parental leave | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Flex hours | 3 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Travel | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs Medical leave | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Head of Security in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. In North America, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might constitute 60-70% of the total compensation, with bonuses and stock options making up the rest. In Europe, the base salary might be a larger portion, around 70-80%, with smaller bonuses. In industries like finance or healthcare, bonuses can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of security in these sectors. Larger companies often offer more comprehensive stock options or profit-sharing plans compared to smaller firms.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Head of Security position, consider pursuing roles with broader responsibilities, such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Chief Security Officer (CSO). These roles often come with higher compensation packages. Additionally, expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or regulatory compliance can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles and participating in high-profile projects or speaking engagements can also enhance your visibility and lead to higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Head of Security roles 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 advantageous and is often preferred by larger organizations. Advanced degrees demonstrate a deeper understanding of the field and can set candidates apart in competitive job markets.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the InfoSec field, as they validate your skills and knowledge. Common and highly regarded certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). For those focusing on technical skills, the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can be beneficial. These certifications not only enhance your resume but also provide a structured learning path to keep your skills up-to-date.

Required Experience

Typically, a Head of Security position requires extensive experience, often 10-15 years in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include a mix of technical roles, such as security analyst or engineer, and managerial positions, like 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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