Security Jobs: The Compensation Question

Compensation – how much (and in what form) should a security leader expect to earn? Foushee Group in Cape Coral, Fla., is thought to have some of the security field’s most reliable answers. That’s because of the study’s methodology: It includes very specific job descriptions and is conducted through human resources departments, not individuals who might have reason to overstate their compensation (a common knock on self-reported surveys). Numbers below are weighted averages of the total cash compensation earned by the top three security positions encompassed in the survey.

Top Global Security Executive (CSO) = $293,922

Job summary: This is the most senior executive security position in the organization with direct line responsibility. Responsibilities include directing the domestic and international staff in identifying, developing, implementing and maintaining security processes across the organization to reduce risks, respond to incidents and limit exposure to liability in all areas of financial, physical, network/information technology and personal risk.

Top Security Executive, International = $202,600

Job summary: This is the most senior international security position in the organization with direct line responsibility. This position does not have domestic security accountabilities, but is domiciled in the United States. This position is accountable for developing, implementing and directing a responsible companywide international security program.

Top Security Executive, Domestic = $198,985

Job summary: This is the most senior domestic security management position in the organization, with direct line responsibility. This position is accountable for developing, implementing and directing a responsible domestic security program for the organization.