Salary for Executive-level / Director Head of Security during 2022

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Head of Security salary lies between USD 200,000 and USD 220,000 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. 24, 2024

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Head of Security job listings are Compliance, Cloud and Monitoring. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 12 jobs Cloud | 12 jobs Monitoring | 11 jobs Incident response | 10 jobs Strategy | 9 jobs Privacy | 9 jobs Audits | 8 jobs AWS | 7 jobs Blockchain | 7 jobs Vulnerabilities | 6 jobs Cryptography | 6 jobs SOC 2 | 6 jobs Security strategy | 6 jobs Application security | 6 jobs SIEM | 5 jobs Network security | 5 jobs Crypto | 5 jobs Automation | 5 jobs CISSP | 5 jobs Computer Science | 5 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Head of Security job listings are Career development, Startup environment and Equity / stock options. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 14 jobs Startup environment | 13 jobs Equity / stock options | 8 jobs Flex vacation | 7 jobs Health care | 6 jobs Competitive pay | 6 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Flex hours | 2 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Travel | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs Medical leave | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an executive-level or director head of security position typically comprises several components: a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or other incentives. 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 might be higher to compensate for living expenses. However, bonuses and stock options might also be more substantial in these areas due to the presence of large tech companies.

• Industry: In industries like finance or technology, where security is paramount, bonuses and stock options can form a significant part of the total compensation package. In contrast, industries with less emphasis on cybersecurity might offer a higher fixed salary but lower bonuses.

• Company Size: Larger companies often have more resources to offer competitive compensation packages, including substantial bonuses and stock options. Smaller companies might offer a higher base salary to attract talent but may not have the same capacity for large bonuses or stock options.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary 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.

• Industry Transition: Moving to a higher-paying industry, such as finance or technology, can result in a significant salary increase.

• Networking and Visibility: Increase your visibility in the industry by speaking at conferences, publishing articles, or participating in industry groups. This can lead to new opportunities and offers.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity. This can make you more valuable to your current employer or attractive to potential employers.

Educational Requirements

Most executive-level positions in cybersecurity require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. However, many employers prefer candidates with 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. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of the role.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise in cybersecurity. Some of the most recognized certifications for executive-level positions include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This is one of the most respected certifications in the field and covers a broad range of security topics.

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): This certification is ideal for those in management roles and focuses on managing and governing an enterprise's information security program.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Useful for those involved in auditing, control, and assurance.

• Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO): Specifically designed for executive-level professionals, this certification covers governance, risk management, and strategic program development.

Required Experience

Typically, candidates for an executive-level cybersecurity position are expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in the field. This experience should include a mix of technical roles and managerial positions, demonstrating a progression of responsibility and leadership. Experience in risk management, compliance, and strategic planning is also highly valued.

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