CISO Pay Skyrockets: Top 1% Rake In Millions While Budgets Stall
CISO compensation packages in North America are on the rise, with the top 1% raking in over $3.2 million. But while salaries soar, budgets are barely keeping up. In this high-stakes game of cybersecurity, these leaders might have to use their Jedi mind tricks to stretch those pennies further.
Hot Take:
It seems like y’all better start brushing up on your cybersecurity skills because being a CISO in North America is paying better than a lottery win – if you’re in the top 1%, that is. While the rest of the CISOs are doing fine, the top dogs are making enough to buy and secure a small island. Meanwhile, the rest are left clinging to their equity packages like they’re the last lifeboat on the Titanic.
Key Points:
- CISO compensation packages are on the rise, with a 6.7% annual growth.
- Top 1% of CISOs earn over $3.2 million, 10 times the median pay.
- Budgets for cybersecurity grew only 4%, the slowest in five years.
- 15% of CISOs changed employers in 2025, up from 11% in 2024.
- 70% of CISOs receive equity; Tech and financial sectors pay the most.
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