CybersecurityUpdated Q1 2026

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Salary
in Chicago, IL

Lead enterprise security strategy, risk management, and compliance programs. Median salary in Chicago: $276K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$276K
per year
Take-home: $181K

Salary range in Chicago

Entry level (25th)$207,000
Median (50th)$276,000
Senior (75th)$357,000
Top earner (90th)$460,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Chicago, Illinois.

Key facts for Chicago

Median salary
$276K
annual
Take-home pay
$181K
after fed/state tax
COL index
107
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.95%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,650
per month
YoY growth
+8.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Chicago Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $276K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Chicago

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$231K$251K$272K$292K$312K201920212023202520272029
2026
$283K
projected
2027
$290K
projected
2028
$297K
projected
2029
$305K
projected
2030
$312K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$276,000+$0
2028 projected$276,000+$0
2029 projected$276,000+$0
2030 projected$276,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Salary in Chicago, Illinois: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) salary in Chicago, IL is $276,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Chicago–IL metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in Chicago

Entry-level Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)s in Chicago with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $207,000 and $276,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $276,000 to $357,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $357,000 to $460,000 or more.

Cost of living in Chicago for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)s

Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Chicago are close to the national average. Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Bachelor's in CS or Security; CISSP required. This role is 55% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Chicago-based professionals.

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Chicago (current)$276K107
Aurora$228K95
Joliet$216K90
Naperville$283K118
Rockford$192K80