Penetration Tester Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 86,000 and USD 140,000 in the United States. 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 for Penetration Testers

The salary composition for penetration testers in the United States can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. In addition to the base salary, penetration testers may receive bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profitability. These bonuses can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company and individual performance. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, salaries tend to be higher to compensate for living expenses. Similarly, larger companies or those in industries with high security demands, like finance or healthcare, may offer more competitive compensation packages.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary as a penetration tester, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specializations that are in high demand. Gaining expertise in emerging areas such as cloud security, IoT security, or AI-driven security can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, taking on leadership roles, such as leading a security team or managing projects, can position you for higher-paying roles. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Finally, consider relocating to regions or industries that offer higher salaries for penetration testers, or negotiating your salary based on market research and your contributions to the company.

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 candidates with an associate degree or relevant experience, but a bachelor's degree is often preferred. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity or information assurance, can be beneficial and may be required for senior positions. Continuous education through workshops, online courses, and seminars is also important to keep up with the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the field of penetration testing and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
• Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPTE)

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, and they can be a deciding factor for employers when considering candidates for penetration testing roles.

Experience Requirements

The typical experience required for a penetration tester role ranges from 2 to 5 years in a related field, such as network security, systems administration, or IT support. Entry-level positions may require less experience, but having hands-on experience with security tools and methodologies is crucial. Experience in conducting vulnerability assessments, security audits, and risk analysis is often expected. For senior roles, employers may look for candidates with 5 to 10 years of experience, including leadership or project management experience.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?