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

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Head of Information Security salary lies between USD 112,500 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: Nov. 10, 2024

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Head of Information Security job listings are Compliance, CISSP and CISM. 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 | 36 jobs CISSP | 26 jobs CISM | 26 jobs Strategy | 25 jobs Risk management | 25 jobs ISO 27001 | 24 jobs Computer Science | 20 jobs Incident response | 18 jobs Risk assessment | 18 jobs Security strategy | 18 jobs Privacy | 17 jobs SOC | 15 jobs Audits | 14 jobs NIST | 14 jobs Governance | 14 jobs Vulnerabilities | 12 jobs GDPR | 12 jobs Cloud | 12 jobs CISA | 11 jobs Security assessment | 9 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Head of Information Security job listings are Career development, Health care and Startup environment. 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 | 27 jobs Health care | 15 jobs Startup environment | 12 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Team events | 10 jobs Salary bonus | 10 jobs Competitive pay | 8 jobs Insurance | 8 jobs Flex hours | 7 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Executive-Level Information Security Roles

The salary for an executive-level or director head of information security 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 tends to be higher to compensate for living expenses. Conversely, regions with a lower cost of living may offer a lower base salary but might balance it with other benefits.

• Industry: Industries like finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of data protection and regulatory requirements. These industries may also provide substantial bonuses tied to performance metrics or company profitability.

• Company Size: Larger companies often have more resources to offer competitive salaries, including significant bonuses and stock options. Smaller companies or startups might offer lower base salaries but compensate with equity or profit-sharing opportunities.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary further from an executive-level position, consider the following strategies:

• Expand Your Role: Take on additional responsibilities or oversee larger teams to demonstrate your capability and value to the organization.

• Pursue Further Education: Advanced degrees such as an MBA or specialized certifications can enhance your qualifications and justify a higher salary.

• Network and Build Industry Relationships: Engage with industry peers and participate in conferences or forums to increase your visibility and open up new opportunities.

• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing salary, be prepared with market data and a clear understanding of your contributions to the company to negotiate effectively.

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, many organizations prefer candidates with a master's degree, such as a Master of Science in Information Security or an MBA with a focus on information systems. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of both technical and business aspects, which are crucial for strategic decision-making.

Helpful Certifications for Information Security Executives

Certifications can significantly enhance your credentials 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, aligning with executive responsibilities.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Useful for understanding audit processes and compliance, which are critical at the executive level.

• Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO): Tailored for those aspiring to or currently holding executive security positions, covering governance, risk management, and strategic planning.

Experience Required for Executive-Level Information Security Roles

Typically, candidates for executive-level information security positions are expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in the field. This experience should include a mix of technical roles, such as security analyst or engineer, and managerial positions, such as security manager or director. Experience in developing and implementing security strategies, managing large teams, and handling complex security incidents is crucial.

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