Information Security Lead Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Information Security Lead salary lies between USD 90,900 and USD 129,900 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: Nov. 17, 2024

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 NIST. 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 | 41 jobs CISSP | 36 jobs NIST | 35 jobs Incident response | 33 jobs Cloud | 33 jobs ISO 27001 | 31 jobs CISM | 31 jobs Risk management | 31 jobs Vulnerabilities | 26 jobs CISO | 25 jobs Governance | 24 jobs CISA | 23 jobs Audits | 19 jobs CRISC | 17 jobs NIST 800-53 | 16 jobs HIPAA | 15 jobs Application security | 15 jobs Privacy | 15 jobs Risk assessment | 14 jobs Computer Science | 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 | 31 jobs Flex hours | 30 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 Competitive pay | 6 jobs Team events | 6 jobs Flat hierarchy | 5 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Information Security Lead in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses are often tied to individual or company performance metrics and can vary significantly. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes equity in the company, especially in tech startups or larger corporations.

The composition can vary based on several factors:

• Region: Salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, or Seattle tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.
• Industry: Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of information security in these sectors.
• Company Size: Larger companies may offer more comprehensive benefits and bonuses, while smaller companies might offer equity or stock options as part of the compensation package.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of an Information Security Lead, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills and knowledge in emerging technologies and security practices. Specializing in areas like cloud security, AI security, or blockchain can make you more valuable.
• Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, potentially leading to higher pay.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for higher leadership positions such as Information Security Manager or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically come with increased responsibilities and higher salaries.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities to learn about new opportunities and trends in the industry.
• Negotiation: When changing jobs or during performance reviews, negotiate for higher pay based on your contributions and market research.

Educational Requirements

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. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and management skills.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to staying current with industry standards and practices.

Required Experience

Typically, an Information Security Lead position requires several years of experience in information security or related fields. This often includes:

• Experience in designing and implementing security systems and protocols.
• Hands-on experience with security technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.
• Proven track record of managing security incidents and mitigating risks.
• Leadership experience, including managing teams and projects.

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