Salary for Executive-level / Director Director of Information Security during 2024

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Director of Information Security salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 200,000 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 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, Risk management and CISSP. 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 | 29 jobs Risk management | 22 jobs CISSP | 20 jobs CISM | 19 jobs Incident response | 18 jobs NIST | 18 jobs Privacy | 18 jobs Strategy | 17 jobs ISO 27001 | 17 jobs Cloud | 17 jobs Risk assessment | 16 jobs Governance | 15 jobs Computer Science | 15 jobs SOC | 15 jobs Monitoring | 14 jobs Vulnerabilities | 13 jobs SOC 2 | 13 jobs GDPR | 12 jobs Audits | 11 jobs HIPAA | 11 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 Flex vacation. 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 | 24 jobs Health care | 22 jobs Flex vacation | 17 jobs Equity / stock options | 15 jobs Flex hours | 13 jobs Competitive pay | 13 jobs Startup environment | 12 jobs Medical leave | 12 jobs Parental leave | 11 jobs Insurance | 11 jobs Team events | 10 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs Travel | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Executive-Level Information Security Roles

The salary for an executive-level or Director of Information Security position typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size.

• Region: In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. Conversely, regions with a lower cost of living might offer a lower base salary but could balance this with more substantial bonuses or stock options.

• Industry: Industries like finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of information security in these sectors. These industries might also provide more lucrative bonuses tied to performance metrics or company profitability.

• Company Size: Larger companies often have more resources to offer competitive compensation packages, including significant bonuses and stock options. Smaller companies might offer a lower base salary but could provide equity or profit-sharing opportunities as an incentive.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary further from a Director of Information Security position, consider the following strategies:

• Expand Your Role: Take on additional responsibilities or oversee larger teams to demonstrate your capability to handle more complex challenges.

• Pursue Further Education: Advanced degrees, such as an MBA or a specialized master's in cybersecurity, can enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive for higher-paying roles.

• Network and Build Relationships: Engage with industry peers and leaders to increase your visibility and open up opportunities for higher-level positions.

• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing compensation, be prepared with data on industry standards and your contributions to the company to justify a salary increase.

Educational Requirements for Executive-Level Information Security Roles

Most executive-level information security roles 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 often preferred, especially for roles with significant strategic responsibilities.

Helpful Certifications for Information Security Executives

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise in the field. Some of the most valuable certifications for this role include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Recognized globally, this certification is often considered essential for senior security roles.

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on managing and governing information security programs, making it ideal for executive roles.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Useful for roles that require a strong understanding of audit processes and risk management.

• Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO): Tailored for those aiming for executive-level positions, focusing on leadership and strategic skills.

Experience Required for Executive-Level Information Security Roles

Typically, candidates for executive-level information security roles are expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in the field. This experience should include a mix of technical expertise, management experience, and strategic planning. Experience in leading large teams, managing complex projects, and developing security policies and strategies is highly valued.

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