Pentester Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Pentester salary lies between USD 50,000 and USD 160,000 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

Top 20 Job Tags for Pentester roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Pentester job listings are Pentesting, Vulnerabilities and C. 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 | 103 jobs Vulnerabilities | 101 jobs C | 76 jobs Cloud | 65 jobs Audits | 58 jobs OWASP | 57 jobs OSCP | 55 jobs Active Directory | 49 jobs R&D | 49 jobs Offensive security | 46 jobs iOS | 42 jobs Android | 42 jobs Red team | 38 jobs Linux | 36 jobs Cryptography | 34 jobs SANS | 33 jobs Python | 32 jobs OSCE | 28 jobs Metasploit | 27 jobs PCI QSA | 26 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Pentester roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Pentester job listings are Conferences, Career development and Health care. 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:

Conferences | 44 jobs Career development | 33 jobs Health care | 17 jobs Team events | 15 jobs Flex hours | 10 jobs Startup environment | 10 jobs Competitive pay | 7 jobs Equity / stock options | 5 jobs Medical leave | 5 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Insurance | 4 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Pentester

The salary composition for a penetration tester can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Generally, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which is the primary component. In regions with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas in the United States, the base salary tends to be higher. Bonuses are often performance-based and can vary from 5% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company's profitability and individual performance. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Larger companies or those in highly competitive industries like finance or technology may offer more comprehensive compensation packages.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary as a pentester, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in a Niche Area: Developing expertise in a specific area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or IoT security, can make you more valuable.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Certifications like Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can enhance your credentials.
• Gain Management Experience: Transitioning into a leadership role, such as a security team lead or manager, can lead to higher pay.
• Network and Build a Reputation: Attend industry conferences, contribute to open-source projects, and publish research to build your professional reputation.
• Consider Relocation: Moving to a region with higher demand for cybersecurity professionals can result in better salary offers.

Educational Requirements

Most pentester positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, especially if you have a strong portfolio of work or relevant certifications. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, can be beneficial but are not always necessary.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary potential. Some of the most recognized certifications for pentesters 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 the field.

Experience Requirements

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience in roles such as network security analyst, security consultant, or IT auditor can be beneficial. Hands-on experience with penetration testing tools and methodologies is crucial, as is a strong understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and security frameworks.

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