Penetration Tester Salary in United Kingdom during 2023

Salary details

The average Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 49,216 and USD 79,976 in the United Kingdom. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). 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

In the United Kingdom, the salary for a Penetration Tester typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as benefits or stock options. The base salary is the most significant component and can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, positions in London or within large financial institutions often offer higher base salaries due to the cost of living and the critical nature of cybersecurity in these sectors. Bonuses are usually performance-based and can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company's profitability and individual performance. Additional remuneration might include health benefits, pension contributions, and, in some cases, stock options or shares, particularly in tech startups or large corporations.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary as a Penetration Tester, consider specializing in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, application security, or IoT security, which are in high demand. Pursuing advanced certifications like the Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can also enhance your credentials. Additionally, gaining experience in leadership roles or transitioning into a security consultant position can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Networking within the industry and attending cybersecurity conferences can also open doors to new opportunities and salary negotiations.

Educational Requirements

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field for a Penetration Tester role. However, some positions may accept candidates with equivalent experience or a strong portfolio of work in cybersecurity. A master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline can be advantageous and may lead to higher-level positions or salary offers.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. Common certifications for Penetration Testers include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)

These certifications demonstrate your technical skills and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

Entry-level Penetration Tester positions typically require 1-3 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. This experience can include roles such as a security analyst, network administrator, or systems administrator. More advanced positions may require 3-5 years of direct penetration testing experience, along with a proven track record of successful security assessments and vulnerability management.

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