Salary for Senior-level / Expert Information Security Officer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Information Security Officer salary lies between USD 113,500 and USD 200,000 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Information Security Officer job listings are Compliance, Risk management and CISSP. 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 | 91 jobs Risk management | 64 jobs CISSP | 61 jobs CISM | 56 jobs Cloud | 56 jobs Governance | 51 jobs Strategy | 46 jobs Computer Science | 43 jobs Audits | 39 jobs Risk assessment | 38 jobs ISO 27001 | 38 jobs CISO | 37 jobs Incident response | 36 jobs BISO | 34 jobs Vulnerabilities | 32 jobs Monitoring | 32 jobs NIST | 30 jobs CISA | 27 jobs Application security | 24 jobs ISMS | 23 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Information Security Officer job listings are Career development, Health care and Competitive pay. 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 | 61 jobs Health care | 36 jobs Competitive pay | 28 jobs Team events | 21 jobs Startup environment | 19 jobs Flex hours | 18 jobs Insurance | 15 jobs Equity / stock options | 13 jobs Medical leave | 13 jobs Parental leave | 11 jobs Wellness | 10 jobs Flex vacation | 9 jobs Salary bonus | 9 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Transparency | 5 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Travel | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Information Security Officer in the United States typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance and individual achievements, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives, may make up the remaining 5% to 10%.

Regional differences can affect salary composition, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries and more lucrative stock options. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and technology companies often provide higher bonuses compared to other sectors. Company size can influence the compensation structure as well, with larger organizations typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonus packages.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of $145,000, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response, which are in high demand.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership positions such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Information Security, which command higher salaries.
• Consulting: Explore opportunities in cybersecurity consulting, where experienced professionals can earn premium rates.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies, and pursue advanced certifications or degrees to enhance your qualifications.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Information Security Officer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, particularly in cybersecurity or information assurance. Advanced degrees can provide a competitive edge and may be necessary for roles in larger organizations or specialized industries.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications for a Senior-level Information Security Officer 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, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Information Security Officer is expected to have at least 7 to 10 years of experience in information security or related fields. This experience should include a strong background in security operations, risk management, compliance, and incident response. Experience in leadership or managerial roles is often required, as these positions involve overseeing teams and developing strategic security initiatives.

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