Salary for Executive-level / Director Cyber Security in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Cyber Security salary lies between USD 124,000 and USD 190,000 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

Top 20 Job Tags for Executive-level / Director Cyber Security roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Cyber Security job listings are Strategy, Compliance and Cloud. 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:

Strategy | 97 jobs Compliance | 94 jobs Cloud | 85 jobs CISSP | 81 jobs Risk management | 71 jobs Governance | 62 jobs NIST | 61 jobs CISM | 60 jobs Incident response | 58 jobs Privacy | 44 jobs Computer Science | 43 jobs Security strategy | 40 jobs Monitoring | 40 jobs Risk assessment | 35 jobs CISA | 34 jobs Pentesting | 32 jobs Audits | 30 jobs Vulnerability management | 30 jobs CISO | 30 jobs ISO 27001 | 29 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Executive-level / Director Cyber Security roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Cyber 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 | 115 jobs Health care | 71 jobs Team events | 58 jobs Competitive pay | 46 jobs Flex hours | 36 jobs Salary bonus | 35 jobs Parental leave | 34 jobs Medical leave | 32 jobs Startup environment | 30 jobs Insurance | 30 jobs Equity / stock options | 23 jobs 401(k) matching | 20 jobs Flex vacation | 19 jobs Wellness | 19 jobs Fitness / gym | 10 jobs Conferences | 8 jobs Transparency | 7 jobs Flexible spending account | 6 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Travel | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Executive-level or Director of Cyber 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 is often the largest component, providing a stable income. Bonuses are usually tied to individual or company performance and can vary significantly. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The composition can vary based on region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and stock options, while industries like finance or healthcare might provide more substantial bonuses.

Increasing Salary Potential

To increase your salary from an Executive-level or Director position, consider pursuing further specialization or leadership roles. Transitioning to a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) position is a common next step, which often comes with a higher salary. Expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, or regulatory compliance can also make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles and participating in speaking engagements or publications can enhance your visibility and reputation, potentially leading to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, pursuing advanced certifications or an MBA can provide a competitive edge.

Educational Requirements

Most Executive-level or Director Cyber 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 increasingly preferred, especially for roles with significant strategic responsibilities. An MBA with a focus on information security can also be advantageous, providing a blend of technical and business acumen.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly bolster your qualifications for a Director of Cyber 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 in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, often being prerequisites for senior roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a Director of Cyber Security is expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in the field, with a substantial portion in leadership or managerial roles. Experience should include a mix of technical skills, such as network security, incident response, and risk management, as well as strategic skills like policy development, team leadership, and budget management. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be beneficial due to the unique regulatory and security challenges they present.

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