CybersecurityUpdated Q1 2026

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Salary
in Washington, DC

Lead enterprise security strategy, risk management, and compliance programs. Median salary in Washington: $336K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$336K
per year
Take-home: $208K

Salary range in Washington

Entry level (25th)$252,000
Median (50th)$336,000
Senior (75th)$434,000
Top earner (90th)$560,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Washington, District of Columbia.

Key facts for Washington

Median salary
$336K
annual
Take-home pay
$208K
after fed/state tax
COL index
152
100 = US avg
State income tax
8.5%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$2,700
per month
YoY growth
+8.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Washington 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 $336K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Washington

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

HistoricalProjected
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$281K$306K$331K$355K$380K201920212023202520272029
2026
$344K
projected
2027
$353K
projected
2028
$362K
projected
2029
$371K
projected
2030
$380K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$336,000+$0
2028 projected$336,000+$0
2029 projected$336,000+$0
2030 projected$336,000+$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 Washington, District of Columbia: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) salary in Washington, DC is $336,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Washington–DC 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 Washington

Entry-level Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)s in Washington with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $252,000 and $336,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $336,000 to $434,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $434,000 to $560,000 or more.

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

Washington has a cost of living index of 152 compared to the US national average of 100. Washington's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. District of Columbia has a 8.5% 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 Washington-based professionals.