Dive Brief:
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IT executives can expect an average salary increase of just 4.9% next year, according to the 2016 Salary Guide for Technology Professionals, released today by Robert Half Technology.
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Overall, the study found IT executives are paid well, with average salaries expected to range from $172,000 to $268,250 in 2016.
- Among the various IT roles, chief security officers will likely see the biggest salary increases.
Dive Insight:
The study examined expected pay increases and salary ranges for dozens of IT roles.
"CIO salary growth has been consistent year over year, growing in the four to five percent range (4.1 percent in 2013 and 5.1 percent in 2014)," said John Reed, senior executive director for Robert Half Technology. "While the role of CIO has been consistent within organizations, newer executive roles, such as chief security officers, for example, may be seeing higher growth due to the role being more prevalent in the technology organization of today."
Chief security officers anticipate a 7% salary increase on average, and expect to earn $140,250 to $222,500. A shortage of CSOs may also help drive their salaries higher. In July, (ISC)² released a report saying there will be a shortage of 1.5 million IT security professionals worldwide in the next five years.
The Robert Half study also found several factors affect IT executives' salaries, including industry, geography and experience level. The CIO's ability to drive business innovation through the use of technology is also critical. Such a role was cited by Starbucks when it hired a new CTO.
