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

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Information Security Officer salary lies between USD 180,000 and USD 295,500 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. 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 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 | 205 jobs Compliance | 197 jobs Risk management | 156 jobs Strategy | 154 jobs CISSP | 135 jobs Incident response | 127 jobs CISM | 114 jobs Cloud | 111 jobs Governance | 107 jobs Computer Science | 105 jobs ISO 27001 | 104 jobs Risk assessment | 102 jobs Privacy | 93 jobs Security strategy | 89 jobs Audits | 87 jobs NIST | 87 jobs CISA | 80 jobs Vulnerabilities | 76 jobs Monitoring | 67 jobs GDPR | 50 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 | 162 jobs Health care | 86 jobs Flex hours | 74 jobs Startup environment | 64 jobs Team events | 63 jobs Flex vacation | 57 jobs Competitive pay | 57 jobs Insurance | 57 jobs Equity / stock options | 54 jobs Medical leave | 46 jobs Parental leave | 39 jobs Salary bonus | 31 jobs Wellness | 28 jobs 401(k) matching | 21 jobs Transparency | 13 jobs Fitness / gym | 9 jobs Travel | 8 jobs Relocation support | 8 jobs Gear | 5 jobs Conferences | 5 jobs

Salary Composition for Executive-Level Information Security Officers

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 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, regions with a lower cost of living might offer a lower base salary but compensate with other benefits.

• Industry: Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of information security in these sectors. These industries may also provide substantial bonuses tied to performance metrics or company profitability.

• Company Size: Larger companies or multinational corporations might offer a more substantial base salary and additional stock options or equity. Smaller companies or startups might offer a lower base salary but compensate with significant equity stakes or performance bonuses.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary further from an Executive-level Information Security Officer position, consider the following strategies:

• Expand Your Role: Take on additional responsibilities or oversee larger teams. Demonstrating your ability to manage more significant aspects of the company's security strategy can justify a salary increase.

• Pursue Further Education: Advanced degrees such as an MBA or specialized certifications can enhance your qualifications and make you more valuable to your organization.

• Network and Industry Engagement: Engage with industry groups, attend conferences, and contribute to publications. Building a strong professional network can open opportunities for higher-paying roles.

• Negotiate Compensation Packages: When considering new opportunities, negotiate for better compensation packages, including bonuses, stock options, and other benefits.

Educational Requirements

Most Executive-level Information Security Officer 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 can significantly enhance your qualifications for an Executive-level Information Security Officer role. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications 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, which can be attractive to employers.

Required Experience

Typically, candidates for an Executive-level Information Security Officer position are expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in information security or related fields. This experience should include:

• Leadership roles in managing security teams or departments
• Proven track record of developing and implementing security strategies
• Experience with risk management and compliance
• Strong understanding of the latest security technologies and threats

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