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

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Head of Security salary lies between USD 170,000 and USD 260,000 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: Dec. 22, 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, Strategy and Risk assessment. 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 | 74 jobs Strategy | 60 jobs Risk assessment | 43 jobs Risk management | 42 jobs CISSP | 33 jobs Security strategy | 31 jobs SOC | 31 jobs Vulnerabilities | 30 jobs Monitoring | 30 jobs Cloud | 28 jobs CISM | 27 jobs Privacy | 27 jobs Incident response | 25 jobs Audits | 24 jobs Governance | 23 jobs ISO 27001 | 18 jobs Finance | 17 jobs CISA | 17 jobs Pentesting | 17 jobs Agile | 17 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, Health care and Team events. 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 | 59 jobs Health care | 48 jobs Team events | 34 jobs Competitive pay | 32 jobs Flex hours | 28 jobs Insurance | 28 jobs Startup environment | 24 jobs Equity / stock options | 22 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 21 jobs 401(k) matching | 19 jobs Medical leave | 16 jobs Salary bonus | 15 jobs Parental leave | 13 jobs Fertility benefits | 13 jobs Flex vacation | 12 jobs Wellness | 10 jobs Travel | 7 jobs Home office stipend | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Gear | 5 jobs

Salary Composition for Executive-Level InfoSec Roles

The salary for an executive-level or director head of security position in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically comprises a mix of fixed salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration. The fixed salary often constitutes the largest portion, ranging from 60% to 80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profitability, usually account for 10% to 20%. Additional remuneration might include stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives, making up the remaining 10% to 20%.

Regional differences can significantly impact salary composition. For instance, positions in North America, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, often offer higher base salaries and stock options. In contrast, European roles might emphasize bonuses and benefits. Industry also plays a role; financial services and tech companies tend to offer more lucrative packages compared to non-profit or government sectors. Company size can influence the package as well, with larger corporations typically providing more comprehensive compensation packages.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary beyond the 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 cybersecurity certifications, can enhance your qualifications.
• Network and Build Relationships: Engage with industry leaders and participate in conferences to increase your visibility and opportunities.
• Negotiate Effectively: Regularly review your compensation package and negotiate for raises or additional benefits based on your performance and market trends.
• Consider Consulting or Advisory Roles: These positions often offer higher pay and the opportunity to work with multiple organizations.

Educational Requirements for Executive-Level InfoSec Roles

Most executive-level InfoSec positions 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 Science in Information Security or an MBA with a focus on technology management, is increasingly preferred. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of business operations and strategic management, which are crucial for leadership roles.

Helpful Certifications for InfoSec Executives

Certifications can significantly bolster your credentials and demonstrate your expertise. Some of the most valuable certifications for executive-level InfoSec roles include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Recognized globally, it covers a broad range of security topics.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on managing and governing information security programs.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Useful for those involved in auditing, control, and assurance.
• Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO): Tailored for executives, it covers governance, risk management, and strategic planning.

Experience Required for Executive-Level InfoSec Roles

Typically, candidates for executive-level InfoSec roles need at least 10 to 15 years of experience in the field. This experience should include a mix of technical expertise and leadership roles, such as managing security teams or projects. Experience in risk management, compliance, and strategic planning is also highly valued. Additionally, familiarity with the specific industry in which the company operates can be a significant advantage.

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