Information Security Lead Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Information Security Lead salary lies between USD 90,900 and USD 129,900 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 Information Security Lead roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Information Security Lead job listings are Compliance, CISSP 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 | 46 jobs CISSP | 41 jobs Risk management | 37 jobs ISO 27001 | 36 jobs NIST | 36 jobs CISM | 36 jobs Incident response | 33 jobs Cloud | 33 jobs Governance | 30 jobs Vulnerabilities | 27 jobs CISO | 25 jobs CISA | 23 jobs Privacy | 20 jobs Audits | 19 jobs HIPAA | 19 jobs CRISC | 17 jobs Strategy | 16 jobs NIST 800-53 | 16 jobs Application security | 15 jobs Risk assessment | 14 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 Flex hours. 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:

Health care | 36 jobs Career development | 36 jobs Flex hours | 31 jobs Flex vacation | 27 jobs Insurance | 24 jobs 401(k) matching | 15 jobs Medical leave | 13 jobs Parental leave | 11 jobs Wellness | 9 jobs Fitness / gym | 8 jobs Equity / stock options | 6 jobs Startup environment | 6 jobs Competitive pay | 6 jobs Team events | 6 jobs Flat hierarchy | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Conferences | 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 fixed base salary is the largest component and can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher base salaries compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. In industries such as finance or healthcare, where data security is paramount, salaries might be higher compared to other sectors.

Bonuses are usually performance-based and can be tied to individual, team, or company performance metrics. These can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Information Security Lead Position

To increase your salary from an Information Security Lead position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Information Security. These roles typically command higher salaries and require a strategic understanding of security at the organizational level.

Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable to employers. Pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or business administration, can also enhance your qualifications and salary prospects.

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 that involve strategic decision-making and leadership responsibilities.

In addition to formal education, practical experience and a strong understanding of security principles, network architecture, and risk management are crucial. Continuous learning through workshops, seminars, and online courses can also be beneficial in keeping up with the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Helpful Certifications for an Information Security Lead

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most recognized 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 deep understanding of security concepts and practices and are often required or preferred by employers.

Experience Required for an Information Security Lead

Typically, an Information Security Lead position requires several years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This usually includes experience in roles such as security analyst, security engineer, or security consultant. Employers often look for candidates with at least 5-7 years of relevant experience, including leadership or management experience in a security context.

Experience in developing and implementing security policies, conducting risk assessments, and managing security incidents is crucial. Familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO/IEC 27001, is also important.

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