Skip to main content
🛡️ Official Bureau of Labor Statistics & Tech Benchmark (2026)

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Salary in San Jose, CA

Detailed compensation breakdown, percentiles, and market demand for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in San Jose, CA.

Demand: +33%
$489,600
/ year (Median Base Pay)
💵 Hourly Equivalent: $235.39/hr
📊 80% Range: $326,400 – $843,200
📍 Regional Multiplier: +36% vs National Baseline
10th % Entry $326,400
25th % Junior $408,000
50th % Median $489,600
75th % Senior $666,400
90th % Top 10% $843,200
Base Annual Salary $489,600
Target Annual Bonus $58,752
Annual Stock / Equity $107,712
Total Compensation (TC) $656,064
🛡️
Fact-Checked & Methodologically Verified by the SalaryPulse Research Team.
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS Survey), DOL Certified H-1B Disclosures & Public SEC 10-K Filings. Learn about our formula →
Live Opportunities (Salary Transparency)

Verified Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Openings in San Jose, CA

Top employers actively hiring near or above the $489,600/yr median benchmark.

View All Openings →

Salary Progression by Experience Level in San Jose, CA

Estimated pay progression across career stages for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Entry-Level (0 - 2 yrs)

Junior Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Recent graduates and early career entrants.

Median Pay
$326,400
Mid-Level (2 - 5 yrs)

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Autonomous execution and domain proficiency.

Median Pay
$489,600
Senior (5 - 8 yrs)

Senior Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

System architecture, mentorship, and project leadership.

Median Pay
$666,400
Lead / Principal (8+ yrs)

Staff / Principal

Strategic direction and cross-functional technical decisions.

Median Pay
$843,200

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Salary in Other US Locations

Compare regional earnings and cost-of-living adjustments

Role Profile & Career Requirements

The CISO establishes enterprise cybersecurity vision, manages incident response teams, defends against state-sponsored threats, and ensures SOC2/ISO27001 compliance.

Required Education
Master's in Cybersecurity / CISSP / Executive Leadership
Experience Benchmark
12+ years
10-Year Projected Growth
+33%

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) make in San Jose, CA?

The median annual salary for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in San Jose, CA is $489,600, with entry-level professionals earning around $326,400 and top 10% senior specialists earning up to $843,200.

What is the average hourly rate for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in San Jose, CA?

On average, a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in San Jose, CA makes approximately $235.39 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

-- Openings Active