Salary for Executive-level / Director Head of Information Security in United States during 2024
π° The median Salary for Executive-level / Director Head of Information Security in United States during 2024 is USD 160,000
βοΈ This salary info is based on 12 individual salaries reported 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.
- Job title
- Head of Information Security
- Experience
- Executive-level / Director
- Region
- United States
- Salary year
- 2024
- Sample size
- 12
- Top 10%
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- Top 25%
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- Median
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- Bottom 25%
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- Bottom 10%
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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: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 jobsTop 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 jobsSalary 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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Expand Your Skill Set: Acquiring new skills, especially in emerging areas like cloud security, AI, or blockchain, can make you more valuable.
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Pursue Advanced Certifications: Certifications such as CISSP or CISM can enhance your credentials and justify a higher salary.
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Seek Leadership Roles: Taking on more responsibilities or moving into a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role can lead to higher compensation.
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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 Masterβs 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.
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