Salary for Executive-level / Director Information Security Officer during 2024

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Information Security Officer salary lies between USD 178,000 and USD 275,000 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. 17, 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 Risk management. 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:

CISO | 179 jobs Compliance | 170 jobs Risk management | 133 jobs Strategy | 130 jobs CISSP | 124 jobs Incident response | 106 jobs CISM | 104 jobs Cloud | 97 jobs Computer Science | 97 jobs Governance | 96 jobs Risk assessment | 91 jobs ISO 27001 | 88 jobs NIST | 77 jobs Privacy | 76 jobs CISA | 72 jobs Security strategy | 71 jobs Audits | 69 jobs Vulnerabilities | 69 jobs Monitoring | 61 jobs GDPR | 38 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, Health care and Flex hours. 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 | 138 jobs Health care | 78 jobs Flex hours | 64 jobs Team events | 57 jobs Startup environment | 52 jobs Insurance | 51 jobs Flex vacation | 49 jobs Equity / stock options | 45 jobs Competitive pay | 45 jobs Medical leave | 41 jobs Parental leave | 34 jobs Salary bonus | 28 jobs Wellness | 27 jobs 401(k) matching | 18 jobs Transparency | 12 jobs Fitness / gym | 8 jobs Travel | 7 jobs Relocation support | 7 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 5 jobs Fertility benefits | 5 jobs

Salary Composition for Executive-Level Information Security Officers

The salary for an Executive-level or Director Information Security Officer 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. In North America, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might constitute 60-70% of the total compensation, with bonuses and stock options making up the rest. In contrast, in regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be a larger portion of the total compensation. Industries such as finance and technology tend to offer higher bonuses and stock options compared to sectors like healthcare or education. Larger companies often provide more comprehensive compensation packages, including long-term incentives like stock options or retirement benefits.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary from an Executive-level Information Security Officer 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 result in a significant salary increase.
• Geographic Relocation: Consider relocating to regions with higher demand for cybersecurity expertise, which often offer higher salaries.
• Continuous Education: Pursue advanced certifications or degrees that can enhance your qualifications and justify a higher salary.
• Networking and Visibility: Increase your visibility in the industry through speaking engagements, publications, or participation in professional organizations.

Educational Requirements

Most Executive-level Information Security Officers hold 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 Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on information security or a Master of Science in Information Security, is often preferred. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity, which is crucial for strategic decision-making at the executive level.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance 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): A globally recognized certification that demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program.
• 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 aspiring CISOs, covering governance, risk management, and strategic program development.

Experience Requirements

Typically, candidates for an Executive-level Information Security Officer position are expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in the field of information security. This experience should include a mix of technical expertise and managerial roles, with a proven track record of leading security teams and initiatives. Experience in risk management, compliance, and strategic planning is also highly valued, as these are critical components of the role.

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