Penetration Tester Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 64,000 and USD 132,000 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Penetration Tester roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Penetration Tester job listings are Pentesting, Vulnerabilities and OSCP. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Pentesting | 137 jobs Vulnerabilities | 128 jobs OSCP | 96 jobs Cloud | 92 jobs OWASP | 57 jobs Application security | 57 jobs Scripting | 54 jobs Compliance | 53 jobs CEH | 51 jobs Linux | 51 jobs Python | 48 jobs Windows | 45 jobs Computer Science | 45 jobs Security assessment | 42 jobs Exploit | 42 jobs AWS | 40 jobs Red team | 39 jobs GPEN | 39 jobs Burp Suite | 38 jobs APIs | 37 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Penetration Tester roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Penetration Tester job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 97 jobs Health care | 53 jobs Flex hours | 49 jobs Competitive pay | 42 jobs Team events | 39 jobs Salary bonus | 31 jobs Equity / stock options | 26 jobs Startup environment | 26 jobs Insurance | 19 jobs Flex vacation | 18 jobs 401(k) matching | 16 jobs Fitness / gym | 14 jobs Wellness | 10 jobs Conferences | 10 jobs Parental leave | 9 jobs Medical leave | 5 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 5 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 4 jobs Yoga | 4 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary composition for a Penetration Tester can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Generally, the salary is composed of a fixed base amount, which is the primary component of the compensation package. This base salary can vary widely depending on the cost of living in a particular region, with higher salaries typically found in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or major metropolitan areas.

In addition to the base salary, bonuses are often part of the compensation package. These bonuses can be performance-based, tied to the successful completion of projects, or based on the overall profitability of the company. Some companies also offer stock options or equity, especially in the tech industry or startups, which can significantly increase total compensation if the company performs well.

Additional remuneration might include benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. Larger companies or those in highly competitive industries may offer more comprehensive benefits packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary as a Penetration Tester, consider the following steps:

• Specialize in a Niche Area: Developing expertise in a specific area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, IoT security, or application security, can make you more valuable to employers.

• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate your commitment to the field and your expertise, potentially leading to higher-paying roles.

• Gain Leadership Experience: Transitioning into a leadership role, such as a team lead or manager, can significantly increase your earning potential.

• Network and Build a Reputation: Engaging with the cybersecurity community through conferences, forums, and publications can enhance your reputation and open up higher-paying opportunities.

• Consider Relocation: Moving to a region with a higher demand for cybersecurity professionals can lead to better salary offers.

Educational Requirements

Most penetration tester positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, especially if you have a strong portfolio of work or relevant certifications. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, can be beneficial and may be required for more senior positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the field of cybersecurity and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized certifications for penetration testers include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on understanding and using hacking tools and techniques.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Known for its rigorous hands-on exam, it demonstrates practical penetration testing skills.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): While broader in scope, it is highly respected and can be beneficial for career advancement.
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN): Focuses on penetration testing methodologies and best practices.

Experience Requirements

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 1-3 years of experience in a related field, such as network security, systems administration, or software development. Experience with specific tools and technologies used in penetration testing, such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark, is often required. Demonstrated experience in conducting security assessments and vulnerability testing is also crucial.

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