Head of Security Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Head of Security salary lies between USD 225,000 and USD 300,000 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 Security roles

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

Cloud | 31 jobs Privacy | 22 jobs Strategy | 21 jobs Application security | 20 jobs ISO 27001 | 17 jobs Compliance | 16 jobs AWS | 15 jobs SaaS | 15 jobs C | 15 jobs Agile | 15 jobs SOC | 15 jobs NIST | 14 jobs Azure | 13 jobs DevOps | 13 jobs CISSP | 13 jobs Governance | 13 jobs Audits | 12 jobs CISM | 12 jobs Risk management | 12 jobs SDLC | 12 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, Team events and Health care. 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 | 20 jobs Team events | 16 jobs Health care | 15 jobs Competitive pay | 15 jobs Flex vacation | 14 jobs Startup environment | 12 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Insurance | 8 jobs Wellness | 6 jobs Flex hours | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Travel | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Head of Security in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or other incentives. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In North America, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might constitute around 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 long-term incentives compared to smaller firms.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from the Head of Security position, consider pursuing roles with broader responsibilities, such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or other executive-level positions. Expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or regulatory compliance can also make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles, attending conferences, and publishing thought leadership pieces can enhance your visibility and reputation, potentially leading to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, negotiating for better compensation packages when switching companies or during performance reviews can also be effective.

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 can be beneficial, as it provides insight into industry-specific threats and compliance requirements.

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