The highest paid chief information officers at public companies saw 3% to 5% gains in total compensation last year, reflecting both the growing importance of IT in the emerging digital marketplace, and the broader role CIOs now play in front-office decision-making, according to a report by consulting firm Janco Associates, Inc.

Based on its analysis of public records, average total compensation for the top 35 highest paid CIOs at these firms was $3.6 million in 2015, the report said.

That includes an average base salary of $510,417, an average bonus of $962,857, average stock options valued at $1.8 million, and other benefits. Read More