Dive Brief:

• The average U.S.-based chief information security officer (CISO) now makes $273,033 per year, according to a survey by Security Current.

• The survey found CISOs in the West earned the most, with an above-average salary of $290,750, while CISOs in the South earn the least, at $199,975.

• The survey included responses from 74 CISOs or CISO equivalents from a variety of industries. Salaries included bonuses.

Dive Insight:

High demand for tech security is driving CISO salaries up. With each new major breach announced, CISOs earn justification for their duty in helping protect companies from breaches and data theft.

In some cases, CISOs may now make more than CIOs. According to the 2017 tech salary guide released in September from Robert Half Technology, CIOs are expected to earn an average base salary range between $175,000 and $279,000 in 2017. Robert Half also found CISOs were likely have the highest jump in salaries, up 5.3% from 2015.