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CISO Compensation Rises 6.7% Despite Slower Budget Growth

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1 unique sources, 1 articles

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CISO compensation in North America increased by an average of 6.7% in 2025, with significant disparities between top earners and median salaries. The top 1% of CISOs earn over $3.2 million, primarily due to equity packages and organization size. Meanwhile, CISO budgets grew by only 4%, the slowest growth in five years, amidst increasing cyber risks from AI, cloud investments, and evolving cybercrime threats. CISO mobility has also increased, with 15% changing employers in 2025, up from 11% in 2024. Those who stayed with their employers saw an average compensation rise of 8.1%, compared to 5% for those who switched. The study highlights a shift in priorities among CISOs, with influence, visibility, and culture becoming more important than pure compensation.

Timeline

  1. 13.11.2025 16:00 1 articles · 23h ago

    CISO Compensation Rises 6.7% Despite Slower Budget Growth

    In 2025, CISO compensation in North America increased by an average of 6.7%, with significant disparities between top earners and median salaries. The top 1% of CISOs earn over $3.2 million, primarily due to equity packages and organization size. Meanwhile, CISO budgets grew by only 4%, the slowest growth in five years, amidst increasing cyber risks from AI, cloud investments, and evolving cybercrime threats. CISO mobility has also increased, with 15% changing employers in 2025, up from 11% in 2024. Those who stayed with their employers saw an average compensation rise of 8.1%, compared to 5% for those who switched.

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Information Snippets

  • CISO compensation in North America grew by an average of 6.7% in 2025.

    First reported: 13.11.2025 16:00
    1 source, 1 article
    Show sources

  • The top 1% of CISOs earn over $3.2 million, primarily due to equity packages and organization size.

    First reported: 13.11.2025 16:00
    1 source, 1 article
    Show sources

  • CISO budgets grew by only 4% in 2025, the slowest growth in five years.

    First reported: 13.11.2025 16:00
    1 source, 1 article
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  • 47% of CISOs reported an increase in budget this year, down from 62% in 2024.

    First reported: 13.11.2025 16:00
    1 source, 1 article
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  • 15% of CISOs changed employers in 2025, up from 11% in 2024.

    First reported: 13.11.2025 16:00
    1 source, 1 article
    Show sources

  • CISOs who stayed with their employers saw an average compensation rise of 8.1%, compared to 5% for those who switched.

    First reported: 13.11.2025 16:00
    1 source, 1 article
    Show sources

  • 70% of CISOs receive equity, with tech and financial services firms offering the highest average compensation.

    First reported: 13.11.2025 16:00
    1 source, 1 article
    Show sources