Salary for Executive-level / Director Information Security Officer during 2023

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Information Security Officer salary lies between USD 189,000 and USD 300,000 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 Information Security Officer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Information Security Officer job listings are CISO, Compliance and CISSP. 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:

CISO | 73 jobs Compliance | 65 jobs CISSP | 49 jobs Strategy | 46 jobs Risk management | 41 jobs Cloud | 41 jobs ISO 27001 | 39 jobs CISM | 39 jobs NIST | 38 jobs Computer Science | 33 jobs Audits | 32 jobs Security strategy | 31 jobs Vulnerabilities | 30 jobs Privacy | 30 jobs Incident response | 29 jobs Monitoring | 24 jobs GDPR | 23 jobs Governance | 23 jobs Risk assessment | 21 jobs SOC 2 | 20 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Executive-level / Director Information Security Officer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Information Security Officer job listings are Career development, Startup environment and Health care. 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 | 53 jobs Startup environment | 35 jobs Health care | 32 jobs Team events | 27 jobs 401(k) matching | 19 jobs Equity / stock options | 17 jobs Flex hours | 16 jobs Flex vacation | 16 jobs Medical leave | 16 jobs Parental leave | 15 jobs Competitive pay | 14 jobs Insurance | 11 jobs Salary bonus | 11 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs Gear | 5 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 5 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Travel | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Executive-level or Director Information Security Officer 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 may include stock options, profit-sharing, or other 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 more in stock options, while financial institutions in New York might provide higher cash bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this 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.
• Geographic Relocation: Consider relocating to regions with higher salary benchmarks for InfoSec roles, such as major tech hubs.
• Networking and Visibility: Increase your visibility in the industry through speaking engagements, publications, or participation in professional organizations.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity to maintain a competitive edge.

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. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of business operations and strategic management, which are crucial for leadership roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a Director Information Security Officer role. 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 executive-level information security management.

Required Experience

Typically, candidates for this role are expected to have at least 10 to 15 years of experience in information security or related fields. This experience should include a mix of technical expertise and managerial responsibilities. Experience in leading security teams, developing security policies, and managing security incidents is crucial. Additionally, experience in a specific industry, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique regulatory and compliance requirements.

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