The average salary for a Head of Information Security in the US is $198,740 per year.
The Head of Information Security leads an organization’s cybersecurity strategy, oversees security operations, and ensures protection of digital assets, infrastructure, and sensitive data. In the US, this executive-level role is common across enterprise SaaS companies, financial institutions, healthcare systems, defense contractors, and large technology firms. Salaries vary based on company size, regulatory exposure, global security footprint, and executive reporting responsibilities. Professionals who manage enterprise-wide security programs and report directly to the C-suite typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Head of Information Security (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $198,740 |
| Median Salary | $187,300 |
| Lowest Salary | $140,000 |
| Highest Salary | $320,000 |
Total compensation often includes performance bonuses, equity, and executive incentives.
Gender Pay Analysis in Head of Information Security
Gender pay differences for Heads of Information Security in the US are influenced by organizational scale, global exposure, and board-level interaction.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $202,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $193,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $199,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at executive levels where pay is directly tied to enterprise risk management and cybersecurity performance.
Salary by Experience Level
Early Executive Level
Professionals entering Head of Information Security roles typically earn around $140,000–$170,000 per year. These individuals often transition from Security Manager or Director-level roles and begin overseeing broader security operations and policy frameworks.
Mid Executive Level
Mid-tier Heads of Information Security earn between $175,000 and $250,000 per year. At this stage, professionals lead enterprise security teams, manage incident response strategy, oversee security architecture, and report directly to senior leadership. This level commonly requires 10–15 years of progressive cybersecurity experience.
Senior Executive Level
Senior Heads of Information Security earn $280,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $320,000 in large US enterprises and highly regulated industries. These professionals define long-term cybersecurity strategy, manage global security operations, and advise boards on cyber risk posture. Compensation reflects significant responsibility for protecting enterprise data and systems.
Certifications for Head of Information Security
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Enterprise cybersecurity strategy
- Security operations leadership
- Risk management and governance
- Incident response oversight
- Cloud and infrastructure security
- Executive and board communication
Best-paying cities for Head of Information Security in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($198,740) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $233,000 | ▲ +17% |
| New York, NY | $228,000 | ▲ +15% |
| Washington, DC | $221,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Seattle, WA | $210,000 | ▲ +6% |
| Boston, MA | $205,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Chicago, IL | $185,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Dallas, TX | $178,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $199,500 | ▲ +0% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying executive role isn’t just about experience — it’s also about applying consistently, strategically, and to the right leadership opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and compensation negotiation instead of manual applications.
Apply to Jobs Across Multiple Platforms
RoboApply brings job listings from multiple platforms into one place. This includes executive cybersecurity roles from major job boards and company career pages, helping you discover opportunities you might otherwise miss, including high-paying and remote leadership 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 executive security roles can be time-consuming and repetitive. RoboApply’s auto-apply feature allows users to apply to many relevant opportunities efficiently, helping maintain consistent application activity in competitive leadership markets.
Improve Resume Relevance with AI Support
Different organizations prioritize different industry exposure and security frameworks. 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 board-level cyber risk discussions, strategic planning scenarios, and incident response leadership questions.
Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can track submitted applications and monitor employer responses to refine their executive job search strategy over time.
Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use industry-specific and location-based salary data to define a competitive executive compensation range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate reduced breach risk, improved compliance posture, and successful incident management outcomes. - Look beyond base salary
Executive compensation often includes bonuses, equity, long-term incentives, and leadership benefits. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple leadership roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Head of Information Security Compensation
As cyber threats grow in sophistication and regulatory oversight increases, organizations continue investing heavily in security leadership. Professionals who can align cybersecurity strategy with business objectives are expected to maintain strong earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $198,740 a good salary for a Head of Information Security?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for executive-level cybersecurity leadership roles.
Can Heads of Information Security earn over $300,000?
Yes, professionals in large enterprises and highly regulated industries can exceed $300,000 annually.
Does compensation include bonuses or equity?
Yes, executive cybersecurity roles often include performance bonuses and equity incentives.
Are remote Head of Information Security roles common?
Some organizations offer remote or hybrid executive security leadership positions.
Which industries pay Heads of Information Security the most?
Technology, financial services, healthcare, defense, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a Head of Information Security?
It typically requires 10–15 years of progressive cybersecurity leadership experience.
Is Information Security Leadership a stable career in the US?
Yes, ongoing cyber risk ensures strong long-term demand for security leadership roles.
