In data released last week, The median-cash compensation for CISOs rose 15% this year, reaching $584,000, up from $509,000 in 2021, according to the CISO survey from executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles. Median total compensation is up too, reaching $971,000 this year from $936,000 last year when factoring in long-term incentives.
And, there are vast differences across geographies and industries. Median total compensation is highest for CISOs in the technology and telecommunications or financial services sector. It is also highest for CISOs on the West Coast or Mid-Atlantic.
Why do we care?
If you’re offering outsourced security services, understanding the internal salaries of these roles is critical. The CISO role is very challenging.. and highly compensated. A small provider is not going to recreate that by using entry-level engineers. You’re not going to get away with using your “mid” or “tier 3” network engineers to make up for this talent level.
That reality check speaks volumes.