Salary for Executive-level / Director Security Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Security Engineer salary lies between USD 159,800 and USD 247,100 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. 3, 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, Strategy and AWS. 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:

Cloud | 115 jobs Strategy | 61 jobs AWS | 58 jobs Compliance | 53 jobs Python | 51 jobs Monitoring | 46 jobs Computer Science | 44 jobs CISSP | 43 jobs GCP | 43 jobs Vulnerabilities | 42 jobs Automation | 41 jobs Azure | 39 jobs Risk management | 38 jobs Application security | 38 jobs Agile | 36 jobs Incident response | 32 jobs Privacy | 32 jobs Terraform | 30 jobs SIEM | 29 jobs NIST | 29 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, 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 | 86 jobs Health care | 60 jobs Flex hours | 53 jobs Parental leave | 46 jobs Salary bonus | 46 jobs Equity / stock options | 45 jobs Competitive pay | 44 jobs Flex vacation | 38 jobs Team events | 36 jobs Insurance | 33 jobs Wellness | 30 jobs Medical leave | 30 jobs Startup environment | 26 jobs Home office stipend | 17 jobs 401(k) matching | 10 jobs Transparency | 10 jobs Flexible spending account | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Fertility benefits | 5 jobs Travel | 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 or company performance and can vary significantly. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or profit-sharing in larger corporations. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher base salaries and stock options, while other regions might focus more on bonuses. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services might offer higher bonuses, while tech companies might provide more stock options. Company size can influence the package, with larger companies often offering more comprehensive benefits and smaller companies potentially providing more equity.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing further specialization or leadership roles. This could involve taking on more strategic responsibilities, such as overseeing multiple security teams or leading company-wide security initiatives. Networking within the industry and building a strong personal brand can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity can make you more valuable. Pursuing advanced certifications or an executive MBA might also enhance your qualifications and salary prospects.

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 can provide a deeper understanding of both technical and business aspects, which is crucial for leadership roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly bolster your qualifications for a director-level position. Common and highly regarded certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). For those in more technical roles, the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) might be beneficial. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a high level of expertise.

Required Experience

Typically, a director-level position in cybersecurity requires extensive experience, often 10-15 years in the field. This experience should include a mix of technical roles and leadership positions. Experience in managing teams, developing security strategies, and implementing security policies is crucial. Additionally, experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique security challenges they present.

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