Penetration Testing Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Penetration Testing Engineer salary lies between USD 136,000 and USD 220,000 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 Pentesting, Cloud and Application security. 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 | 28 jobs Cloud | 24 jobs Application security | 21 jobs Java | 18 jobs Python | 18 jobs Vulnerabilities | 17 jobs Computer Science | 17 jobs C | 16 jobs Network security | 14 jobs Automation | 14 jobs AWS | 13 jobs Red team | 13 jobs Scripting | 13 jobs Audits | 12 jobs CTF | 11 jobs Cryptography | 11 jobs JavaScript | 11 jobs Rust | 11 jobs Ruby | 9 jobs APIs | 9 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, Equity / stock options 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 | 16 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Flex hours | 11 jobs Team events | 11 jobs Startup environment | 10 jobs Health care | 7 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 4 jobs Medical leave | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs Flex vacation | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Penetration Testing Engineer

The salary for a Penetration Testing Engineer typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary is the largest component and can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher base salaries compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. Bonuses are usually performance-based and can be influenced by individual, team, or company performance metrics. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages in larger corporations. Industries such as finance or healthcare may offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of security in these sectors.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Penetration Testing Engineer Position

To increase your salary from a Penetration Testing Engineer position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or threat intelligence. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also open up higher-paying positions, such as a Security Architect or a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Networking within the industry and attending conferences can provide opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, considering roles in high-demand sectors or regions with a shortage of skilled professionals can lead to better compensation packages.

Educational Requirements for a Penetration Testing Engineer

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field for a Penetration Testing Engineer position. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience or an associate degree combined with relevant certifications. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, can be advantageous and may be required for senior roles. Continuous education and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies are crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications for Penetration Testing Engineers

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your credentials as a Penetration Testing Engineer. 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)
• CompTIA PenTest+

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

Experience Required for a Penetration Testing Engineer

Typically, a Penetration Testing Engineer position requires 2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience in network security, system administration, or software development can be beneficial. Hands-on experience with penetration testing tools and techniques, as well as a proven track record of identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities, is crucial. For senior roles, more extensive experience, including leadership or project management, may be required.

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