Salary for Executive-level / Director Head of Security in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Head of Security salary lies between USD 225,000 and USD 269,400 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: Dec. 15, 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 Cloud, Privacy and Application security. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 29 jobs Privacy | 21 jobs Application security | 20 jobs Strategy | 18 jobs ISO 27001 | 16 jobs AWS | 15 jobs SaaS | 15 jobs C | 15 jobs Agile | 15 jobs Compliance | 14 jobs SOC | 14 jobs DevOps | 13 jobs NIST | 13 jobs Azure | 12 jobs CISSP | 12 jobs CISM | 12 jobs SDLC | 12 jobs Audits | 11 jobs PaaS | 11 jobs CISA | 11 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, Team events and Competitive pay. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 19 jobs Team events | 16 jobs Competitive pay | 15 jobs Flex vacation | 14 jobs Health care | 14 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Startup environment | 11 jobs Insurance | 8 jobs Wellness | 6 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs Flex hours | 3 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Travel | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Executive-Level InfoSec Roles

In the United States, the salary for an executive-level or director head of security in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically comprises several components. The fixed base 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 may include stock options, profit-sharing, or other long-term incentives, making up the remaining 10% to 20%. The exact composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech companies in Silicon Valley might offer higher stock options, while financial institutions in New York may provide more substantial bonuses.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Executive Position

To further 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 to handle more complex challenges.
• Industry Transition: Moving to a higher-paying industry, such as finance or technology, can lead to a significant salary increase.
• Networking and Visibility: Increase your visibility in the industry by speaking at conferences, publishing articles, or participating in industry groups.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity to maintain your competitive edge.
• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing compensation, leverage your achievements and market data to negotiate better terms.

Educational Requirements for Executive-Level InfoSec Roles

Most executive-level positions in InfoSec 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 of Science in Cybersecurity, is often 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 enhance your qualifications for an executive-level role in cybersecurity. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A globally recognized standard in cybersecurity expertise.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on managing and governing information security programs.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Emphasizes auditing, control, and assurance.
• Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO): Tailored for aspiring CISOs, covering governance, risk management, and strategic planning.

Experience Required for Executive-Level InfoSec Roles

Typically, candidates for executive-level InfoSec positions are expected to have 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, developing security strategies, and overseeing large-scale security projects. Experience in risk management, compliance, and incident response is also highly valued.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?