How to Become a Chief Information Officer?
Are you thinking of becoming a Chief Information Officer or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Chief Information Officer, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Chief Information Officer job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Chief Information Officer
If you're considering starting your Chief Information Officer career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Chief Information Officer and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Chief Information Officer career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Chief Information Officer career path, a Bachelor's Degree in computer science or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Chief Information Officer internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.What type of degree should you pursue to become a Chief Information Officer?
81% of people working as a Chief Information Officer earned a Bachelor's Degree
What skills do you need to be a Chief Information Officer?
- Javascript
- Strategic Thinking
- Audit
- Node.js
- Frameworks
- Scripting Languages
- AWS
- CRCM
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Chief Information Officer, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Chief Information Officer field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Chief Information Officer specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Chief Information Officer
Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in computer science or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Chief Information Officer. In general, you can become a Chief Information Officer after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Chief Information Officer role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in cissp.4
Advance in Your Chief Information Officer Career
Following entry-level, there are several Chief Information Officer career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Chief Information Officer to progress to the senior chief information officer position. Each advanced Chief Information Officer position requires approximately 2 years of experience at each level to advance in your Chief Information Officer career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Chief Information Officer career path.5
Continued Education for Your Chief Information Officer Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Chief Information Officer career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Graduate Degree in computer science can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Graduate Degree typically make $297,778 compared to $84,157 for those without that type of degree.Chief Information Officer Career Path
Chief Information Officer
2 - 4Years of Experience
$230K - $418K /yrMost Likely Range
6% advanced to
Senior Chief Information Officer
2 - 4Years of Experience
$210K - $382K /yrMost Likely Range
Lead Chief Information Officer
5 - 7Years of Experience
$204K - $373K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Chief Information Officer Career Path
Chief Information Officer
Senior Chief Information Officer
Lead Chief Information Officer
$180K
$236K
$292K
$348K
$460K
Are you paid fairly? Get a free, personalized salary estimate based on today's job market
Related Careers in the Business Industry
Interested in other Business careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Chief Information Officer skills. Discover some of the most common Chief Information Officer career transitions, along with skills overlap.