Penetration Tester Salary in United Kingdom during 2024

Salary details

The average Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 81,943 and USD 112,500 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: Dec. 15, 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Pentesting | 579 jobs Vulnerabilities | 467 jobs OSCP | 445 jobs Cloud | 367 jobs Python | 327 jobs Scripting | 278 jobs Burp Suite | 250 jobs OWASP | 235 jobs Application security | 233 jobs Security assessment | 224 jobs Metasploit | 223 jobs Linux | 217 jobs Red team | 209 jobs Exploit | 206 jobs Nmap | 193 jobs CEH | 193 jobs Computer Science | 192 jobs GPEN | 191 jobs AWS | 187 jobs Compliance | 169 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 | 328 jobs Health care | 200 jobs Flex hours | 155 jobs Team events | 136 jobs Competitive pay | 123 jobs Insurance | 91 jobs Equity / stock options | 90 jobs Salary bonus | 82 jobs Medical leave | 77 jobs Flex vacation | 71 jobs Startup environment | 71 jobs Parental leave | 67 jobs Gear | 63 jobs Conferences | 50 jobs 401(k) matching | 49 jobs Wellness | 39 jobs Fitness / gym | 17 jobs Home office stipend | 16 jobs Flexible spending account | 14 jobs Transparency | 9 jobs

Salary Composition for Penetration Testers in the UK

The salary for a Penetration Tester in the UK typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed salary is the most substantial component, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, pension contributions, and sometimes stock options, especially in larger tech companies or startups.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in London or other major cities might offer higher base salaries to offset the higher cost of living. Industry and company size also play a role; financial services and large tech firms often provide more competitive compensation packages compared to smaller companies or those in less lucrative sectors.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Penetration Tester Position

To increase your salary beyond the median level, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, IoT security, or application security, which are in high demand.
• Advanced Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications like Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership positions such as a team lead or manager, which typically come with higher salaries.
• Consulting: Consider transitioning to a consulting role, where you can leverage your experience to advise multiple clients, often at a higher pay rate.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to increase your visibility and open up new opportunities.

Educational Requirements for Penetration Testers

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. However, some positions may accept candidates with equivalent experience or a strong portfolio of work. A master's degree can be advantageous, particularly for roles in larger organizations or those requiring specialized knowledge.

Helpful Certifications for Penetration Testers

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. 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.

Experience Requirements for Penetration Testers

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 1-3 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience in roles such as network security analyst, systems administrator, or security consultant can be beneficial. Practical experience with penetration testing tools and methodologies, as well as a proven track record of identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities, is crucial.

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