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

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Director of Information Security salary lies between USD 171,500 and USD 228,700 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

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 for Executive-Level Information Security Roles

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 60-70% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can range from 10-20%, depending on the company's financial health and the individual's performance. 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, while more traditional industries might focus on cash bonuses. Regional differences also play a role; for example, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Director Position

To increase your salary beyond the Director level, consider pursuing roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or other C-suite positions. These roles typically offer higher compensation packages. Additionally, expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, AI, or blockchain can make you more valuable. Networking with industry leaders and participating in high-profile projects can also enhance your visibility and reputation, potentially leading to higher-paying opportunities. Pursuing advanced certifications or an executive MBA can further bolster your qualifications and salary prospects.

Educational Requirements for Executive-Level Roles

Most executive-level positions in information security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on information security or a Master of Science in Information Security, is often preferred. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of both technical and business aspects, which is crucial for strategic decision-making at the executive level.

Helpful Certifications for Information Security Executives

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for an executive role in information security. Some of the most recognized 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 Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)

These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, which can be attractive to potential employers.

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 and managerial roles, with a proven track record of leading security teams and projects. Experience in risk management, compliance, and strategic planning is also highly valued. Additionally, familiarity with the specific industry in which the company operates can be a significant advantage.

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