The average salary for a Head of Security in the US is $186,940 per year.
The Head of Security is responsible for overseeing an organization’s overall security strategy, including cybersecurity governance, risk management, incident response leadership, and regulatory compliance. In the US, this role is common across enterprise corporations, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, SaaS companies, and government contractors. Salaries vary based on company size, industry risk exposure, and scope of responsibility. Professionals who align security initiatives with executive-level business strategy typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Head of Security (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $186,940 |
| Median Salary | $178,300 |
| Lowest Salary | $135,000 |
| Highest Salary | $275,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Head of Security
Gender pay differences for Heads of Security in the US are influenced by executive exposure, industry specialization, and leadership scope.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $191,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $181,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $187,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation differences tend to narrow at executive levels where pay is tied directly to risk mitigation effectiveness and enterprise-wide impact.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Head of Security is not typically an entry-level position. However, professionals transitioning from senior security management roles may earn around $135,000 per year as they begin overseeing broader security functions and strategy planning.
Mid-Level
Mid-level security leaders advancing toward head-level roles typically earn between $160,000 and $210,000 per year. At this stage, professionals manage multiple security teams, oversee compliance programs, and coordinate with executive leadership. This level commonly requires 8–12 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Heads of Security earn $240,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $275,000 in major US enterprises. These professionals define long-term security strategy, report to the executive board, manage large budgets, and oversee enterprise-wide security posture. Compensation reflects high accountability for organizational risk management.
Certifications for Head of Security
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Executive Leadership or MBA Programs
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Enterprise security strategy development
- Risk management and compliance oversight
- Incident response leadership
- Budgeting and resource allocation
- Executive communication and board reporting
- Security governance frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2)
Best-paying cities for Head of Security in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($186,940) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $220,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $208,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Washington, DC | $202,000 | ▲ +8% |
| Seattle, WA | $197,000 | ▲ +5% |
| Boston, MA | $193,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $178,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $173,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $188,000 | ▲ +0% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying role isn’t just about skills — it’s also about applying consistently, at scale, and to the right opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and salary negotiation instead of manual applications.
Apply to Jobs Across Multiple Platforms
RoboApply brings job listings from multiple platforms into one place. This includes roles from major job boards and company career pages, helping you discover opportunities you might otherwise miss, including high-paying and remote executive positions.
This broad coverage increases your chances of finding roles that match both your experience level and salary expectations.
Save Time with Auto-Apply
Manually applying to senior leadership roles can be time-consuming and repetitive. RoboApply’s auto-apply feature allows users to apply to many relevant jobs efficiently, helping maintain consistent application activity in competitive executive markets.
Improve Resume Relevance with AI Support
Different organizations prioritize different compliance frameworks and strategic initiatives. RoboApply helps tailor resumes to better match job descriptions, increasing interview callbacks and improving application success rates.
Prepare Better for Interviews
RoboApply supports interview preparation by helping candidates understand executive-level questions, strategic security scenarios, and leadership expectations.
Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can track submitted applications and monitor employer responses to refine their job search strategy over time.
Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a realistic target range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate reduced incident rates, successful compliance audits, and strengthened enterprise security frameworks. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes executive bonuses, stock options, long-term incentives, and performance-based rewards. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Head of Security Compensation
As cybersecurity threats grow in complexity and regulatory requirements expand, organizations increasingly prioritize experienced security leadership. Heads of Security who can align risk management with business growth objectives are expected to see sustained demand and strong earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $186,940 a good salary for a Head of Security?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for senior security leadership roles depending on organization size and industry.
Can Heads of Security earn over $250,000?
Yes, leaders in large enterprises and high-risk industries frequently exceed $250,000 annually.
Do executive certifications increase salary?
Certifications strengthen credibility, but strategic leadership and measurable security impact have a stronger influence on compensation.
Are remote Head of Security roles common?
Yes, some organizations offer remote or hybrid executive security positions.
Which industries pay Heads of Security the most?
Financial services, technology, healthcare, defense, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a Head of Security?
It usually requires 10–15 years of progressive security and leadership experience.
Is Security Leadership a stable career in the US?
Yes, growing cybersecurity risks ensure long-term demand for experienced leadership.
