Penetration Tester Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 96,600 and USD 178,200 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: Jan. 12, 2025

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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Pentesting | 551 jobs Vulnerabilities | 471 jobs OSCP | 412 jobs Cloud | 334 jobs Python | 293 jobs Scripting | 246 jobs Linux | 229 jobs Security assessment | 226 jobs Burp Suite | 220 jobs Red team | 217 jobs OWASP | 201 jobs Computer Science | 200 jobs GPEN | 199 jobs Application security | 198 jobs Metasploit | 189 jobs Exploit | 175 jobs Compliance | 170 jobs Offensive security | 165 jobs APIs | 164 jobs C | 161 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 340 jobs Health care | 207 jobs Flex hours | 162 jobs Team events | 138 jobs Competitive pay | 124 jobs Insurance | 93 jobs Equity / stock options | 92 jobs Medical leave | 83 jobs Salary bonus | 83 jobs Flex vacation | 75 jobs Startup environment | 73 jobs Parental leave | 69 jobs Conferences | 53 jobs 401(k) matching | 51 jobs Wellness | 37 jobs Gear | 26 jobs Fitness / gym | 17 jobs Home office stipend | 16 jobs Flexible spending account | 14 jobs Transparency | 9 jobs

Salary Composition for Penetration Testers

The salary composition for a Penetration Tester can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. In regions with a high cost of living, like the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living might offer a lower base salary but compensate with other benefits.

In industries like finance or technology, where cybersecurity is critical, bonuses can be substantial, often tied to the company's overall security performance or individual achievements. Larger companies might offer additional remuneration in the form of stock options, profit-sharing, or comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Steps to Increase Salary

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

• 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 like the Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
• 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, speaking engagements, or publishing research can enhance your professional reputation and open up higher-paying opportunities.

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 or an associate degree combined with relevant certifications. Advanced positions might require a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline.

Helpful Certifications

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

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• CompTIA PenTest+

These certifications demonstrate your technical skills and commitment to staying current with industry standards.

Required Experience

Entry-level Penetration Tester roles typically require 1-3 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity. Mid-level positions might require 3-5 years of experience, including hands-on penetration testing experience. Senior roles often demand over 5 years of experience, with a proven track record of successful security assessments and vulnerability management.

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