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

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Information Security Officer salary lies between USD 192,000 and USD 300,000 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: Dec. 15, 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 in the United States typically comprises a combination of a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or other incentives. The exact composition can vary significantly depending on factors such as region, industry, and company size.

• Region: In tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. Conversely, in regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be slightly lower, but companies may offer other incentives to attract talent.

• Industry: Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher compensation packages due to the critical nature of information security in these sectors. These industries may also provide more substantial bonuses and stock options.

• Company Size: Larger companies or those with significant digital assets may offer more competitive salaries and bonuses to attract top talent. Smaller companies might offer equity or stock options as part of the compensation package to make up for a lower base salary.

Increasing Salary

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

• Advanced Education: Pursuing further education, such as an MBA or a specialized master's degree in cybersecurity, can enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive for higher-paying roles.

• Specialization: Developing expertise in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, AI security, or blockchain, can make you more valuable to employers.

• Networking: Building a strong professional network can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and engage with peers on platforms like LinkedIn.

• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to take on more significant leadership responsibilities, such as overseeing larger teams or managing more complex projects, which can justify a higher salary.

Educational Requirements

Most executive-level information security positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or business administration (MBA) with a focus on technology management.

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 widely 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 an enterprise's information security program.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Useful for those involved in auditing, control, and assurance of information systems.

• Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO): Tailored for aspiring CISOs, covering governance, risk management, and strategic program development.

Required Experience

Typically, candidates for an executive-level information security role are expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in the field. This experience should include:

• Leadership Experience: Proven track record of leading and managing security teams.

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of security technologies, threat landscapes, and risk management.

• Strategic Planning: Experience in developing and implementing security strategies aligned with business objectives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work with other departments, such as IT, legal, and compliance, to ensure comprehensive security measures.

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