Head of Security Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Head of Security salary lies between USD 170,000 and USD 260,000 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. 24, 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 Compliance, Strategy and Risk management. 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 | 69 jobs Strategy | 63 jobs Risk management | 40 jobs Risk assessment | 39 jobs CISSP | 35 jobs SOC | 35 jobs Security strategy | 34 jobs Monitoring | 33 jobs Cloud | 31 jobs CISM | 30 jobs Privacy | 28 jobs Incident response | 27 jobs Vulnerabilities | 27 jobs Governance | 27 jobs Audits | 25 jobs ISO 27001 | 22 jobs CISA | 19 jobs NIST | 18 jobs Finance | 17 jobs Agile | 17 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, Health care and Team events. 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 | 60 jobs Health care | 51 jobs Team events | 35 jobs Competitive pay | 34 jobs Insurance | 29 jobs Flex hours | 26 jobs Startup environment | 25 jobs Equity / stock options | 23 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 21 jobs 401(k) matching | 19 jobs Medical leave | 18 jobs Salary bonus | 15 jobs Parental leave | 13 jobs Fertility benefits | 13 jobs Flex vacation | 12 jobs Wellness | 11 jobs Travel | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Home office stipend | 6 jobs Gear | 3 jobs

Salary Composition for a Head of Security Role

The salary for a Head of Security position 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. 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 benefits packages, including retirement plans, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Head of Security Position

To increase your salary beyond the Head of Security role, consider pursuing executive-level positions 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 with industry leaders, attending conferences, and contributing to thought leadership through publications or speaking engagements can also enhance your profile and open up higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements for a Head of Security Role

Most Head of 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 security, or business administration can be advantageous, especially for roles in larger organizations or those with a strategic focus. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also important to stay updated with the latest security trends and technologies.

Helpful Certifications for a Head of Security Role

Certifications can significantly bolster your qualifications for a Head of Security role. 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 demonstrate a commitment to the field and a comprehensive understanding of security principles and practices.

Experience Required for a Head of Security Role

Typically, a Head of Security role requires extensive experience in the cybersecurity field, often 10-15 years, with a proven track record of managing security teams and projects. Experience in various security domains, such as network security, application security, and incident response, is crucial. Leadership experience, including strategic planning and risk management, is also essential, as the role involves guiding the organization's overall security posture.

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