Top 10 Best Paid Information Security Jobs for 2015

Information security is a very hot topic and a trending job for 2015. Think Target, Anthem, Staples, Home Depot and JP Morgan Chase just to name a few of the large companies that have suffered from cyberattacks. The smaller companies are too numerous to mention. It’s such a major issue that cybercrime is on the list of top crimes the FBI investigates.

If you’ve got the right skills to get hired for an information security job, you can expect to earn a paycheck commensurate with your qualifications. Dice.com reports that “Lead Software Security Engineers, Directors of Security, Security Consultants and others tasked with repelling cyber-threats can expect to earn six-figure salaries per year—so long as their skills, experience and certifications prove to be a match for very demanding roles that are continuously evolving.”

What other jobs are in demand? Review this list of the top 10 best paid tech security jobs as report by Dice.

Top 10 Best Paid Information Security Jobs for 2015

1. Lead Software Security Engineer

Average salary: $233,333
Best degrees to have: Certifications, and at least a BS in Computer Science or a similar technical field
The job: Depending on the specific job, someone in this role might be tasked with doing everything from maintaining and deploying training programs for employees to developing security-related aspects of application programs.

2. Chief Security Officer

Average salary: $225,000
Best degrees to have: BS degree in Computer Science or similar field, and certifications
The job: This role involves preparing organizations to counter not only existing but also emerging threats. This includes establishing and communicating best practices for maintaining data security, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of security operations.

3. Global Information Security Director

Average salary: $200,000
Skills and experience: Depending on the job you may be required to have a working knowledge of certain industry rules and regulations such as HIPAA or FISMA.
The job: This role involves the maintenance and execution of information-security projects; if there’s a database breach or similar incident, the Global Information Security Director also coordinates the response.

4. Security Consultant

Average salary: $198,000
Skills and experience: Organizations prize consultants with multiple years of experience, as well as a working knowledge of industry rules, regulations and (often) enterprise products.
The job: Security Consultants work with clients to devise a strategy for effective cyber-security. In addition to knowing best practices and recommended procedures, they must also possess solid communication skills.

5. Chief Information Security Officer

Average salary: $192,500
Skills and experience: Maintaining best practices and designing effective policies to handle breaches and other disasters.
The job: Has a focus on protecting an organization’s database and other information-related assets.

6. Director of Security

Average salary: $178,333
Skills and experience: You will need to interact with employees as well as external vendors and partners, so good “soft skills” are a must, in addition to the required tech skills.
The job: Responsibilities for Directors of Security can vary widely depending on the organization, with most centering on minimizing the risk of attack while guiding internal teams in maintaining proper security procedures.

7. Cyber Security Lead

Average salary: $175,000
The job: This role includes evaluating the organization for potential vulnerabilities (in conjunction with analysts and other security staff), detecting any attacks underway and informing management.

8. Lead Security Engineer

Average salary: $$174,375
The job: Whether the organization wants its Lead Security Engineer to focus on apps or hardware, the job’s constants typically include reviewing code and procedures to detect security vulnerabilities, spreading awareness of those potential vulnerabilities to employees and implementing security tools to protect the organization.

9. Cyber Security Engineer

Average salary: $170,000
Best degrees to have: A BS in a technical field, plus certifications
The job: Cyber Security Engineers generally have a lot of experience in penetration testing and cyber-security tools, and they’ll use them all to keep an organization buttoned up tight against internal and external threats.

10. Application Security Manager

Average salary: $165,000
The job: Application Security Managers are in charge of ensuring any apps produced or used by their organization meet standards for security and privacy. This role often reports to a Director of Security or similar position.

Certifications That Will Help You Get Hired: Certifications such as CISA, CRISC, CISM and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) will help your application to get a close look.

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