Salary for Executive-level / Director Software Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Software Engineer salary lies between USD 135,000 and USD 200,000 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. 22, 2024

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Software Engineer job listings are Cloud, Computer Science and Python. 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 | 20 jobs Computer Science | 18 jobs Python | 11 jobs Strategy | 10 jobs Java | 9 jobs SDLC | 9 jobs APIs | 9 jobs Docker | 8 jobs Agile | 8 jobs AWS | 7 jobs Automation | 7 jobs Compliance | 7 jobs Microservices | 7 jobs CI/CD | 7 jobs Banking | 6 jobs Azure | 6 jobs DevOps | 6 jobs SaaS | 6 jobs Kubernetes | 6 jobs DevSecOps | 6 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Software Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. 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 | 21 jobs Health care | 11 jobs Equity / stock options | 10 jobs Startup environment | 9 jobs Medical leave | 8 jobs Parental leave | 7 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Insurance | 5 jobs Flex vacation | 4 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Team events | 4 jobs Flex hours | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs Fertility benefits | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Executive-level or Director Software Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is often the largest component, providing a stable income. Bonuses are usually tied to individual performance, team success, or company profitability, and can vary significantly depending on the company's financial health and industry standards. Additional remuneration, like stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups, where equity is used as an incentive. 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 pursuing further specialization in high-demand areas such as cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or blockchain technology. Networking within industry circles and attending relevant conferences can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, taking on more strategic roles, such as leading cross-functional teams or spearheading major security initiatives, can demonstrate your value to the organization and justify a salary increase. Seeking opportunities in larger companies or those in high-growth sectors can also lead to higher compensation.

Educational Requirements

Most executive-level positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree, such as an MBA with a focus on information security or a Master’s in Cybersecurity, can be highly beneficial and sometimes preferred. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of business operations and strategic management, which are crucial for leadership roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise. Common and highly regarded certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). For those focusing on governance and compliance, the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is also valuable. These certifications not only validate your skills but also keep you updated with the latest industry standards and practices.

Required Experience

Typically, a minimum of 10-15 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity is required for an executive-level position. This experience should include a proven track record of managing security teams, developing security strategies, and implementing security solutions. Experience in leadership roles, such as managing cross-functional teams or leading major projects, is also 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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