Penetration Testing Engineer Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Penetration Testing Engineer salary lies between USD 135,500 and USD 212,800 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 Testing Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Penetration Testing Engineer job listings are Red team, Pentesting and Network security. 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:

Red team | 13 jobs Pentesting | 13 jobs Network security | 12 jobs AWS | 12 jobs Cryptography | 12 jobs Automation | 12 jobs Python | 12 jobs Scripting | 12 jobs IAM | 12 jobs Computer Science | 12 jobs Audits | 11 jobs CTF | 11 jobs S3 | 11 jobs Lambda | 11 jobs C | 11 jobs Java | 11 jobs JavaScript | 11 jobs Ruby | 11 jobs Rust | 11 jobs EC2 | 11 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Penetration Testing Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Penetration Testing Engineer job listings are Career development, Conferences and Equity / stock options. 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 | 12 jobs Conferences | 12 jobs Equity / stock options | 6 jobs Startup environment | 6 jobs

Salary Composition for a Penetration Testing Engineer

The salary for a Penetration Testing Engineer can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the compensation package is composed of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. In regions with a high cost of living, such as major tech hubs in the United States, the base salary tends to be higher to accommodate living expenses. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living might offer a smaller base salary but compensate with other benefits.

In industries like finance or healthcare, where data security is paramount, companies might offer higher bonuses to attract top talent. Larger companies often provide more comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and stock options, which can significantly enhance the overall compensation. Smaller companies or startups might offer equity or stock options as a part of the remuneration to make up for a lower base salary.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Penetration Testing Engineer, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in a Niche Area: Developing expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or IoT security, can make you more valuable to employers.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate your commitment to the field and enhance your skill set.
• Gain Leadership Experience: Transitioning into a leadership role, such as a team lead or manager, can open up higher salary brackets.
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engaging with industry professionals can lead to new opportunities and insights into higher-paying roles.
• Consider Relocation: Moving to a region with higher demand for cybersecurity professionals can result in better salary offers.

Educational Requirements

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field for a Penetration Testing Engineer role. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a formal degree, especially if the candidate has a strong portfolio of relevant projects. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, can be advantageous and may lead to higher-level positions.

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)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
• CompTIA PenTest+

These certifications demonstrate a solid understanding of penetration testing methodologies and tools, and they are often required or preferred by employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Penetration Testing Engineer is expected to have 2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience with network security, vulnerability assessment, and security tools is crucial. Hands-on experience with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark is often required. Additionally, practical experience in scripting and programming languages like Python, Bash, or PowerShell can be beneficial.

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