Head of Security Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Head of Security salary lies between USD 181,800 and USD 260,000 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: 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 Compliance, Strategy and Risk assessment. 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 | 82 jobs Strategy | 70 jobs Risk assessment | 47 jobs Risk management | 45 jobs CISSP | 38 jobs Security strategy | 36 jobs Vulnerabilities | 35 jobs Monitoring | 35 jobs Cloud | 35 jobs SOC | 35 jobs CISM | 32 jobs Privacy | 31 jobs Incident response | 30 jobs Governance | 29 jobs Audits | 27 jobs ISO 27001 | 23 jobs NIST | 20 jobs CISA | 19 jobs Computer Science | 19 jobs Finance | 18 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 | 73 jobs Health care | 54 jobs Team events | 38 jobs Competitive pay | 35 jobs Insurance | 30 jobs Flex hours | 29 jobs Startup environment | 28 jobs Equity / stock options | 27 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 23 jobs 401(k) matching | 20 jobs Medical leave | 18 jobs Salary bonus | 16 jobs Parental leave | 14 jobs Flex vacation | 13 jobs Fertility benefits | 13 jobs Wellness | 12 jobs Travel | 7 jobs Home office stipend | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Gear | 5 jobs

Salary Composition for a Head of Security Role

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, profit-sharing, or other incentives, can account for 5% to 15% of the total package.

Regional differences can influence these percentages, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries and more lucrative stock options. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and technology companies might offer higher bonuses compared to non-profit organizations. Company size can affect the composition as well, with larger companies typically providing more comprehensive bonus structures and stock options.

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 and greater responsibilities. Networking within the industry and building a strong professional reputation can open doors to these opportunities.

Additionally, expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, artificial intelligence, or blockchain can make you more valuable to employers. Pursuing advanced certifications or an executive MBA can also enhance your qualifications and bargaining power. Engaging in thought leadership activities, such as speaking at conferences or publishing articles, can further establish your authority in the field and lead to higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements for a Head of Security

Most Head of Security positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or business administration. An advanced degree can provide a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of security, which is crucial for this leadership role.

Helpful Certifications for a Head of Security

Certifications can significantly enhance 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)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

These certifications demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of security principles and practices, and they are often considered essential for advancing in the field.

Experience Required for a Head of Security Role

Typically, a Head of Security position requires extensive experience in the cybersecurity field, often ranging from 10 to 15 years. 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.

Leadership experience is also important, as the role involves overseeing security operations and aligning them with business objectives. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be beneficial due to the unique regulatory and security challenges they present.

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