CISO

2024 Pay Scale and Benefits for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Roles

Security Careers

10 Apr 2024 — 5 min read

Photo by wilsan u / Unsplash

Salary Range:

Base Salary:
- The average base salary for a CISO in the United States is approximately $243,943 per year, with typical salaries ranging between $218,617 and $275,578 (Salary.com).
- Other reports suggest the average salary is around $229,844, with total compensation (including bonuses) reaching up to $381,651 annually (Salary.com).
Total Compensation:
- Total compensation can include base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, and other incentives. For example:
  - Bonus: Ranges from $5,000 to $54,000 annually.
  - Profit Sharing: Can vary between $2,000 and $35,000 per year.

Benefits:

Health and Wellness:
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
- Wellness programs and gym memberships.
Retirement Plans:
- 401(k) plans with company matching contributions.
- Pension plans in some organizations.
Performance Bonuses:
- Annual performance-based bonuses linked to company and individual performance.
Stock Options and Equity:
- Stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs) as part of the compensation package.
Other Perks:
- Professional development opportunities, including paid certifications and training.
- Flexible working conditions, including remote work options.
- Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.
- Executive perks such as company cars, travel allowances, and exclusive memberships.

Location-Based Variations:

Salaries can vary significantly based on location. For example, CISOs in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in smaller cities or less expensive regions (Salary.com) (Salary.com).

By understanding these salary ranges and benefits, companies can offer competitive packages to attract and retain top talent for the crucial role of Chief Information Security Officer.

Pricing for Fractional CISO/VCISO vs. Full-Time CISO in 2024

Fractional CISO/VCISO Pricing:

A. Hourly Rates:

Range: $250 - $500 per hour .
Factors: Rates vary based on the consultant's experience, industry, and the specific services provided.

B. Monthly Retainer:

Range: $10,000 - $25,000 per month .
Factors: The scope of work, frequency of engagement, and the size of the organization.

C. Project-Based Fees:

Range: $50,000 - $150,000 per project.
Factors: Complexity of the project, duration, and specific deliverables required.

D. Annual Cost:

Range: $120,000 - $300,000 annually for ongoing engagements .
Comparison: This is typically more cost-effective than a full-time CISO for small to medium-sized businesses that do not require full-time security leadership.

Full-Time CISO Pricing:

A. Annual Salary:

Base Salary: $218,617 - $275,578 annually (Salary.com) (Salary.com).
Total Compensation: Including bonuses and other incentives, can range from $243,943 to $381,651 annually.

B. Benefits:

Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement Plans: 401(k) with company match or pension plans.
Stock Options/Equity: Often included as part of the compensation package.
Other Perks: Performance bonuses, professional development opportunities, and executive perks like company cars or travel allowances.

Comparison and Considerations:

1. Cost-Effectiveness:

Fractional CISO: More cost-effective for organizations that need high-level expertise but do not require a full-time executive. Suitable for SMBs or during transition periods.
Full-Time CISO: Better for larger organizations with extensive security needs and complex IT infrastructures requiring constant oversight and strategic planning.

2. Flexibility:

Fractional CISO: Offers flexibility in terms of engagement duration and scope of work. Can scale services up or down based on needs.
Full-Time CISO: Provides dedicated, continuous oversight and integration within the company’s executive team, fostering long-term strategic alignment.

3. Availability:

Fractional CISO: Limited availability compared to a full-time executive, might not be able to respond immediately to incidents.
Full-Time CISO: Always available to handle crises and incidents promptly, ensuring quicker response times.

4. Strategic Impact:

Fractional CISO: May focus more on immediate and project-based outcomes rather than long-term strategic initiatives.
Full-Time CISO: Can drive long-term security strategy, foster a security-first culture, and ensure continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Choosing between a fractional CISO and a full-time CISO depends on the specific needs, size, and budget of your organization. Fractional CISOs offer flexibility and cost savings for smaller companies or those in transition, while full-time CISOs provide dedicated, continuous leadership for larger organizations with complex security requirements.