Salary for Senior-level / Expert Information Security Lead during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Information Security Lead salary lies between USD 90,900 and USD 129,900 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

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Information Security Lead roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Information Security Lead job listings are Compliance, CISSP and ISO 27001. 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:

Compliance | 46 jobs CISSP | 40 jobs ISO 27001 | 36 jobs NIST | 36 jobs Risk management | 36 jobs CISM | 35 jobs Incident response | 33 jobs Cloud | 33 jobs Governance | 29 jobs Vulnerabilities | 27 jobs CISO | 25 jobs CISA | 23 jobs Audits | 19 jobs HIPAA | 19 jobs Privacy | 19 jobs CRISC | 17 jobs Strategy | 16 jobs NIST 800-53 | 16 jobs Application security | 15 jobs Risk assessment | 14 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Information Security Lead roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Information Security Lead job listings are Health care, Career development 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:

Health care | 35 jobs Career development | 35 jobs Flex hours | 30 jobs Flex vacation | 27 jobs Insurance | 24 jobs 401(k) matching | 15 jobs Medical leave | 13 jobs Parental leave | 11 jobs Wellness | 9 jobs Fitness / gym | 8 jobs Startup environment | 6 jobs Team events | 6 jobs Equity / stock options | 5 jobs Flat hierarchy | 5 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Information Security Lead typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the largest component and varies significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher base salaries compared to other regions due to the cost of living and demand for talent. Bonuses are usually tied to individual performance, team performance, or company profitability and can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 115,050, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Information Security. These positions typically command higher salaries due to their strategic importance and broader scope of responsibility. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable. Networking within industry groups, attending conferences, and publishing thought leadership articles can also enhance your visibility and reputation, potentially leading to higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Information Security Lead positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or business administration can be advantageous and sometimes preferred. Advanced degrees demonstrate a deeper understanding of the field and can set you apart from other candidates, especially in competitive job markets.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and highly regarded certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). These certifications validate your expertise and commitment to the field. Other specialized certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) can be beneficial if your role involves penetration testing or ethical hacking.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Information Security Lead role requires at least 7-10 years of experience in information security or related fields. This experience should include hands-on technical work, as well as strategic planning and leadership. Experience in managing security teams, developing security policies, and implementing security technologies is often necessary. Additionally, experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique regulatory and compliance requirements.

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