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Information Security Director Salary in the United States

How much does an Information Security Director make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Information Security Director in the United States is $208,843 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $100.

However, an Information Security Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $230,112
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $191,825 to $219,976
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $176,331
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Information Security Director Salaries

An Information Security Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Information Security Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Information Security Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Information Security Manager (5+ years): $146,734
  • Information Security Senior Manager (5+ years): $185,568
  • Information Security Director (5+ years): $208,843
  • VP of Information Security (5+ years): $253,165
  • SVP of Information Security (5+ years): $308,789
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Information Security Manager5+ years$146,734
Information Security Senior Manager5+ years$185,568
Information Security Director5+ years$208,843
VP of Information Security5+ years$253,165
SVP of Information Security5+ years$308,789
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How Do Information Security Directors Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Information Security Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $231,231.
  • California: $230,354.
  • Massachusetts: $227,284.

Top Paying Cities for Information Security Director

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $263,414
  • San Francisco: $260,530
  • Oakland: $255,039

Information Security Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Information Security Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $233,788. While startup companies pay approximate $197,779.

Information Security Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $197,779
Growth Stage 51~500 $209,175
Established 501~5000 $225,763
Enterprise 5000+ $233,788

Information Security Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Information Security Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Information Security Director positions in Aerospace & Defense or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Information Security Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Information Security Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$292,380$141.040%
MFG Durable$281,938$136.035%
Chemicals$271,496$131.030%
Pharmaceuticals$261,054$126.025%
Healthcare$250,612$120.020%

Information Security Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Information Security Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$191,825
Average $208,843/year
$219,976
$15,985
Average $17,404/month
$18,331
$3,689
Average $4,016/week
$4,230
$92
Average $100/hour
$106
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $219,976 $18,331 $4,230 $106
Average $208,843 $17,404 $4,016 $100
25th Percentile $191,825 $15,985 $3,689 $92

Information Security Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Information Security Director

Next Role

Advancement

For an Information Security Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Information Security role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $253,165 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Information Security Director

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Information Security Director

Here are companies hiring for Information Security Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Information Security Director

1. Where can an Information Security Director earn the most?

An Information Security Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Information Security Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Information Security Director is $263,414.

2. What is the highest pay for Information Security Director?

The highest pay for Information Security Director is $230,112.

3. What is the lowest pay for Information Security Director?

The lowest pay for Information Security Director is $176,331.

4. What are the responsibilities of Information Security Director?

Directs and leads the team responsible for ensuring the security of the organization's systems and information assets. Establishes and implements the overall strategies and procedures for the information security function. Develops and implements information security programs in accordance with organizational standards. Stays current on the latest information security standards and best practices. Ensures compliance with data protection guidelines and applicable laws. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Information Security Director?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Information Security Director roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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