The average salary for a Chief Information Security Officer in the US is $198,000 per year.
Chief Information Security Officers lead an organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy, risk management framework, and regulatory compliance efforts. In the US, enterprises across finance, healthcare, technology, and government rely on Chief Information Security Officers to protect sensitive data, prevent cyberattacks, and guide long-term security planning. Salaries vary based on company size, regulatory environment, and executive responsibility. Leaders who successfully reduce enterprise risk and strengthen cybersecurity posture often earn significantly higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Chief Information Security Officer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $198,000 |
| Median Salary | $190,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $145,000 |
| Highest Salary | $320,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Chief Information Security Officer
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $204,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Female | $194,000 | ▼ −2% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $198,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation differences are primarily influenced by executive tenure and industry complexity.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Chief Information Security Officers typically earn around $145,000 per year. These professionals often transition into executive security roles after serving as Security Directors or Security Operations Managers. Most have 0–2 years of executive-level leadership experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Chief Information Security Officers earn between $170,000 and $240,000 per year. At this stage, professionals oversee enterprise security teams, manage regulatory compliance programs, and guide board-level cybersecurity strategy. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of executive experience in security leadership.
Senior Level
Senior Chief Information Security Officers earn $280,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $320,000 in large global enterprises. These professionals advise executive leadership and board members, oversee global security operations, and define long-term cybersecurity strategy.
Certifications for Chief Information Security Officer
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Certified Information Security Manager
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
- Certified Governance of Enterprise IT
- Certified Chief Information Security Officer
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Enterprise cybersecurity strategy
- Risk management leadership
- Regulatory compliance oversight
- Incident response governance
- Executive stakeholder communication
- Security budget management
Best-paying cities for Chief Information Security Officer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($198,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $234,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $218,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $212,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $204,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $190,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $180,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $178,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $200,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $184,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Future Outlook for Chief Information Security Officer Compensation
As cyber threats continue to grow and regulatory demands increase, organizations are prioritizing executive cybersecurity leadership. Demand for experienced Chief Information Security Officers is expected to remain strong, supporting continued salary growth in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $198,000 a good salary for a Chief Information Security Officer?
Yes, $198,000 is competitive for mid-level Chief Information Security Officer roles in most US markets.
Can Chief Information Security Officers earn over $300,000?
Yes, senior executives in large enterprises can exceed $300,000 annually.
Do certifications increase Chief Information Security Officer salary?
Advanced security and governance certifications can improve credibility and executive advancement opportunities.
Are remote Chief Information Security Officer roles common?
Yes, some organizations offer hybrid or remote flexibility for executive security leadership.
Which industries pay Chief Information Security Officers the most?
Finance, healthcare, government, and large technology enterprises typically offer higher compensation.
Is Chief Information Security Officer a stable career path?
Yes, as cybersecurity remains critical to business operations, executive security leadership continues to be in strong demand.
