Technology · Level S4
CISO
The Chief Information Security Officer — executive owner of security risk, governance, and board-level accountability.
Typical total compensation (US)
$555,000median
Range $510,000–$620,000 · base $275,000 · bonus $80,000 · equity $200,000
Indicative, sourced ranges — not a guarantee. KORE1 CISO Salary Guide 2026: cash base $230-400k + equity 30-50% at VC/public; total $250-700k; Glassdoor total ~$320.8k
At a glance
Difficulty
High
Hiring demand
Medium
Competition
Medium
AI task-risk
Low
AI & this role: Executive risk ownership + board accountability. The move is to climb the scope ladder, not to fear the tool.
What differentiates you at this level
- leadershipRisk, governance, compliance leadership
- leadershipBoard-level security communication
Credentials that help
Credentials help entry and specialisation; they don't gate senior or leadership roles — scope does.
- CISSP (ISC2) · ~$749