Salary for Executive-level / Director Director of Information Security during 2023

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Director of Information Security salary lies between USD 155,583 and USD 228,700 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. 15, 2024

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Director of Information Security job listings are Compliance, Strategy and CISSP. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 19 jobs Strategy | 14 jobs CISSP | 14 jobs Incident response | 12 jobs SOC 2 | 11 jobs ISO 27001 | 10 jobs Privacy | 10 jobs Monitoring | 10 jobs GDPR | 9 jobs CISM | 9 jobs CISA | 9 jobs Cloud | 9 jobs Audits | 8 jobs Risk management | 8 jobs Governance | 8 jobs Risk assessment | 7 jobs SOC | 7 jobs IDS | 5 jobs IPS | 5 jobs Firewalls | 5 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Director of Information Security job listings are Career development, Health care and Competitive pay. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 11 jobs Health care | 9 jobs Competitive pay | 8 jobs Parental leave | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Equity / stock options | 6 jobs Insurance | 6 jobs Flex hours | 5 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs Flex vacation | 4 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Startup environment | 4 jobs Medical leave | 3 jobs Fertility benefits | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Executive-level or Director of Information Security position 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, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can range from 10-20%, depending on the company's profitability and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can vary significantly based on the company's size and industry. For instance, tech companies or startups might offer substantial equity as part of the compensation package, whereas more traditional industries might focus on cash bonuses. Regional differences also play a role, with salaries generally higher in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City compared to other regions.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Director of Information Security position, consider pursuing further specialization or leadership roles. Transitioning to a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role is a common next step, which often comes with a significant salary increase. Additionally, expanding your expertise in emerging areas such as cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or regulatory compliance can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles and participating in high-profile projects can also enhance your visibility and open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Lastly, consider negotiating your compensation package by leveraging offers from other companies or demonstrating your impact on the organization's security posture.

Educational Requirements

Most Director of Information 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 (MBA) is increasingly preferred, especially for executive-level roles. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of information security, which is crucial for strategic decision-making and leadership.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the field of information security and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common certifications for this role 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 comprehensive understanding of security principles and practices, as well as a commitment to professional development.

Required Experience

Typically, a Director of Information Security is expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in the field, with a significant portion in leadership or managerial roles. Experience should include a strong technical background in information security, risk management, and compliance, as well as proven success in leading security teams and projects. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also be advantageous due to the unique regulatory and security challenges they present.

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