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

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Head of Information Security salary lies between USD 140,000 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

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, Strategy 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 | 38 jobs Strategy | 27 jobs CISSP | 27 jobs CISM | 26 jobs Risk management | 26 jobs ISO 27001 | 25 jobs Computer Science | 21 jobs Incident response | 20 jobs Security strategy | 20 jobs Risk assessment | 18 jobs Privacy | 18 jobs SOC | 16 jobs Audits | 15 jobs NIST | 15 jobs Governance | 14 jobs Cloud | 14 jobs Vulnerabilities | 13 jobs GDPR | 13 jobs Security assessment | 11 jobs CISA | 11 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 | 29 jobs Health care | 16 jobs Startup environment | 14 jobs Equity / stock options | 12 jobs Team events | 12 jobs Salary bonus | 11 jobs Flex hours | 9 jobs Competitive pay | 9 jobs Insurance | 8 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Relocation support | 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 position typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size.

• Base Salary: This is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. 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.

• Bonuses: Performance bonuses are common and can be tied to individual performance, company performance, or both. Industries like finance and technology often offer substantial bonuses compared to other sectors.

• Additional Remuneration: This can include stock options, especially in tech companies, or profit-sharing plans. Larger companies might offer more comprehensive packages, including retirement benefits and health insurance.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 160,000, consider the following strategies:

• Expand Your Skill Set: Acquiring new skills, especially in emerging areas like cloud security, AI, or blockchain, can make you more valuable.

• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Certifications such as CISSP or CISM can enhance your credentials and justify a higher salary.

• Seek Leadership Roles: Taking on more responsibilities or moving into a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role can lead to higher compensation.

• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engaging with industry peers can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.

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 an MBA with a focus on information security or a Master’s in Cybersecurity, is often preferred. This advanced education can provide a deeper understanding of business operations and strategic management, which is crucial for leadership roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly bolster your qualifications for an executive-level role in information security. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

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

Required Experience

Typically, candidates for an executive-level information security role are expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity. This experience should include:

• Leadership Experience: Proven track record of managing teams and projects.
• Strategic Planning: Experience in developing and implementing security strategies.
• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying and mitigating security risks.
• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with industry regulations and standards.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?