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

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Director of Information Security salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 200,000 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: Nov. 17, 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 | 28 jobs Risk management | 21 jobs CISSP | 20 jobs CISM | 19 jobs NIST | 18 jobs Incident response | 17 jobs Strategy | 17 jobs Privacy | 17 jobs ISO 27001 | 16 jobs Cloud | 16 jobs Risk assessment | 15 jobs Computer Science | 15 jobs Governance | 14 jobs Monitoring | 14 jobs SOC | 14 jobs Vulnerabilities | 13 jobs GDPR | 12 jobs SOC 2 | 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 | 23 jobs Health care | 21 jobs Flex vacation | 17 jobs Equity / stock options | 14 jobs Flex hours | 13 jobs Competitive pay | 13 jobs Startup environment | 12 jobs Medical leave | 11 jobs Insurance | 11 jobs Parental leave | 10 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

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 often constitutes the largest portion, ranging from 60% to 80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, often between 10% to 30%, depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger companies or tech-heavy industries and can make up 5% to 15% of the total package. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, 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.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of $170,000, consider pursuing roles with greater responsibility, such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) positions. Expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or regulatory compliance can also make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles and attending relevant conferences can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, demonstrating a track record of successfully managing security risks and contributing to the company's strategic goals can position you for salary negotiations or promotions.

Educational Requirements

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 Cybersecurity, is often preferred. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of the role, which is crucial for strategic decision-making.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a Director of Information 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 commitment to the field and a comprehensive understanding of security principles and practices.

Required Experience

Typically, candidates for a Director of Information Security position are expected to have at least 10 to 15 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity roles. This experience should include a mix of technical and managerial responsibilities, such as leading security teams, developing security policies, and managing security incidents. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique regulatory and security challenges they present.

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