Information Security Lead Salary in 2022

Salary details

The average Information Security Lead salary lies between USD 110,820 and USD 204,500 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 Information Security Lead roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Information Security Lead job listings are Compliance, Audits and Risk management. 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:

Compliance | 7 jobs Audits | 6 jobs Risk management | 6 jobs Cloud | 6 jobs ISO 27001 | 5 jobs SOC 2 | 5 jobs CISM | 5 jobs Finance | 4 jobs NIST | 4 jobs CISSP | 4 jobs Agile | 4 jobs Privacy | 4 jobs Vulnerabilities | 3 jobs SaaS | 3 jobs FinTech | 3 jobs Incident response | 2 jobs Risk assessment | 2 jobs Banking | 2 jobs Crypto | 2 jobs PaaS | 2 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Information Security Lead roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Information Security Lead job listings are Health care, Career development and Parental leave. 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:

Health care | 8 jobs Career development | 8 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Flex hours | 4 jobs Competitive pay | 3 jobs Insurance | 3 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Startup environment | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 2 jobs Team events | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 1 jobs Medical leave | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for an Information Security Lead

The salary for an Information Security Lead typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. 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 be higher, but bonuses and stock options can also form a substantial part of the total compensation package. In contrast, in regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be lower, but companies may offer competitive bonuses to attract talent. Industries such as finance and healthcare, which prioritize security, often offer higher salaries compared to other sectors. Larger companies might provide more comprehensive benefits and stock options, while smaller companies might offer higher base salaries to attract skilled professionals.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Information Security Lead Position

To increase your salary from an Information Security Lead position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or an MBA with a focus on information security. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, gaining experience in emerging areas like cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, or blockchain can make you more valuable. Seeking roles in high-demand industries or regions, or transitioning to a larger organization with more resources, can also lead to salary increases. Demonstrating leadership skills and taking on additional responsibilities can position you for promotions to senior management roles, which typically come with higher compensation.

Educational Requirements for an Information Security Lead

Most Information Security Lead positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles with significant leadership responsibilities. A strong educational background provides a solid foundation in the technical and theoretical aspects of cybersecurity, which is crucial for effectively managing security teams and strategies.

Helpful Certifications for an Information Security Lead

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common certifications for an Information Security Lead include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-level positions.

Experience Required for an Information Security Lead

Typically, an Information Security Lead is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on technical roles, as well as positions that involve strategic planning and leadership. Experience in managing security teams, developing security policies, and implementing security technologies is crucial. Additionally, experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be beneficial due to the unique security challenges they present.

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