Head of Security Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Head of Security salary lies between USD 225,000 and USD 269,400 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: Dec. 15, 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 United States 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 60% to 80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, often making up 10% to 20% of the total salary, depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can account for 5% to 15% of the total package, particularly in tech companies or startups. 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 competitive job market. Industry and company size further influence salary composition, with larger corporations and industries like finance or technology offering more lucrative packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from the position of Head of Security, consider pursuing roles with greater responsibility, such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or other executive-level positions. Expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, artificial intelligence, or blockchain can also make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles and attending relevant conferences can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, obtaining advanced certifications or degrees, such as an MBA with a focus on information security, can enhance your qualifications and bargaining power.

Educational Requirements

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 systems, or business administration is often preferred, especially for roles in larger organizations. Advanced education demonstrates a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of security, which is crucial for leading a security team effectively.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Common and beneficial certifications for a Head of Security include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). Other relevant certifications might include Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), especially if your role involves cloud security.

Required Experience

Typically, a Head of Security role requires extensive experience in the field, often 10 to 15 years, with a proven track record in managing security teams and projects. Experience should include a mix of technical skills, such as network security, incident response, and risk management, as well as leadership skills. Prior roles might include Security Manager, Security Architect, or similar positions that demonstrate your ability to oversee complex security operations.

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