Salary for Executive-level / Director Information Security Officer in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Information Security Officer salary lies between USD 148,000 and USD 250,000 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: Nov. 24, 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 Compliance, Strategy and Cloud. 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 | 16 jobs Strategy | 11 jobs Cloud | 11 jobs Governance | 9 jobs Privacy | 9 jobs Audits | 8 jobs Risk management | 8 jobs ISO 27001 | 7 jobs CISSP | 7 jobs Vulnerabilities | 6 jobs NIST | 6 jobs Incident response | 5 jobs Finance | 5 jobs GDPR | 5 jobs SOC 2 | 5 jobs Security strategy | 5 jobs Agile | 5 jobs Monitoring | 5 jobs Network security | 4 jobs Security assessment | 4 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, Flex hours and Health care. 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 | 11 jobs Flex hours | 10 jobs Health care | 6 jobs Startup environment | 6 jobs Competitive pay | 6 jobs Flex vacation | 5 jobs Team events | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Travel | 3 jobs Insurance | 3 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs Flat hierarchy | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 1 jobs Medical leave | 1 jobs Salary bonus | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Executive-level or Director Information Security Officer in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary, depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can make up the remaining 5-10%, and these are more common in larger companies or tech-focused industries. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider the following strategies:

• Pursue Advanced Education: Obtaining an advanced degree, such as an MBA or a specialized master's in cybersecurity, can enhance your qualifications and open up higher-paying opportunities.
• Expand Your Network: Building a strong professional network can lead to new opportunities and insights into higher-paying roles.
• Seek Leadership Roles: Taking on additional responsibilities or moving into a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role can lead to a significant salary increase.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate for higher pay by highlighting your achievements and market value.

Educational Requirements

Most executive-level information security positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or business administration. An MBA with a focus on information security can be particularly advantageous, as it combines technical knowledge with business acumen.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most beneficial certifications for an executive-level role include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)

These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for top positions.

Required Experience

Typically, candidates for an executive-level information security role are expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in the IT or cybersecurity field. This experience should include a mix of technical roles and leadership positions, demonstrating a progression of responsibility and expertise. Experience in managing teams, developing security strategies, and handling complex security incidents is crucial.

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