Salary for Executive-level / Director Security Engineer during 2023

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Security Engineer salary lies between USD 175,000 and USD 250,000 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. 15, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Executive-level / Director Security Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Security Engineer job listings are Cloud, Compliance and Strategy. 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:

Cloud | 73 jobs Compliance | 63 jobs Strategy | 55 jobs AWS | 48 jobs CISSP | 45 jobs GCP | 43 jobs Azure | 40 jobs Security strategy | 37 jobs Incident response | 34 jobs CISM | 34 jobs Vulnerabilities | 33 jobs Automation | 33 jobs Risk management | 33 jobs Agile | 33 jobs CompTIA | 28 jobs DevOps | 27 jobs Privacy | 27 jobs KPIs | 27 jobs E-commerce | 26 jobs Computer Science | 24 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Security Engineer 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 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 68 jobs Flex hours | 38 jobs Health care | 35 jobs Startup environment | 32 jobs Equity / stock options | 29 jobs Competitive pay | 21 jobs Flex vacation | 17 jobs Insurance | 17 jobs Salary bonus | 17 jobs Parental leave | 16 jobs Wellness | 14 jobs Team events | 13 jobs Medical leave | 11 jobs 401(k) matching | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 9 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 5 jobs Fertility benefits | 4 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Executive-level or Director Security Engineer 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, providing a stable income. Bonuses are usually tied to individual performance, company performance, or both, and can vary significantly depending on the company's financial health and the individual's contribution. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or profit-sharing schemes, which are more common in larger organizations. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher base salaries and stock options, while regions with a lower cost of living might offer a more balanced mix. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and tech companies often provide higher bonuses compared to other sectors. Company size can influence the package, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and smaller companies potentially offering more equity.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing further specialization or leadership roles. Transitioning to a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role or similar executive positions can significantly boost your earning potential. Networking within the industry and building a strong personal brand can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity can make you more valuable to your current or potential employers. Engaging in public speaking, publishing articles, or contributing to industry standards can also enhance your reputation and lead to higher compensation.

Educational Requirements

Most executive-level positions in cybersecurity require 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 Science in Information Security or an MBA with a focus on information systems, is often preferred. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of both the technical and business aspects of cybersecurity, which is crucial for leadership roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly bolster your qualifications for an executive-level role in cybersecurity. Common and highly regarded certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, which can be attractive to employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a candidate for an executive-level cybersecurity position should have at least 10-15 years of experience in the field. This experience should include a mix of technical roles and leadership positions, demonstrating both deep technical knowledge and the ability to manage teams and projects. Experience in risk management, compliance, and strategic planning is also highly valued.

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