Salary for Entry-level / Junior Penetration Tester during 2022

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 42,026 and USD 68,000 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. 24, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Entry-level / Junior Penetration Tester roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Penetration Tester job listings are Pentesting, OSCP and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Pentesting | 14 jobs OSCP | 8 jobs Python | 8 jobs Vulnerabilities | 7 jobs Cryptography | 6 jobs Linux | 5 jobs Cloud | 5 jobs Metasploit | 4 jobs C | 4 jobs Java | 4 jobs OWASP | 4 jobs Security assessment | 3 jobs AWS | 3 jobs Azure | 3 jobs Burp Suite | 3 jobs NIST | 3 jobs CEH | 3 jobs GPEN | 3 jobs Ruby | 3 jobs Windows | 3 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Entry-level / Junior Penetration Tester roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Penetration Tester job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Startup environment. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 7 jobs Flex hours | 5 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs Health care | 3 jobs Competitive pay | 3 jobs Team events | 3 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Medical leave | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior penetration tester typically consists of a base salary, which is the fixed amount, and may include bonuses and additional remuneration. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In larger tech hubs or regions with a high cost of living, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. Bonuses are often performance-based and can be influenced by the company's financial health and individual achievements. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances. In smaller companies or regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be lower, but the overall compensation package could be balanced with other benefits.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider gaining more experience and expertise in specialized areas of cybersecurity. Pursuing advanced certifications, such as the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), can make you more valuable to employers. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Additionally, seeking roles in industries that highly value cybersecurity, such as finance or healthcare, can lead to better compensation. Demonstrating leadership skills and taking on more responsibilities can also pave the way for promotions and salary increases.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level 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. Coursework in networking, programming, and security fundamentals is beneficial. As the field is highly technical, a strong foundation in computer systems and networks is crucial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a penetration tester role. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification demonstrates your ability to understand and identify vulnerabilities in systems.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Known for its rigorous hands-on exam, the OSCP is highly respected in the industry.
• CompTIA Security+: A good entry-level certification that covers essential security concepts.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): While more advanced, it is valuable for career progression.

These certifications not only validate your skills but also show your commitment to professional development.

Required Experience

For an entry-level position, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or personal projects. Experience with common penetration testing tools like Metasploit, Nmap, and Burp Suite is often required. Familiarity with operating systems, especially Linux, and programming languages such as Python or Bash scripting can also be advantageous. While extensive professional experience may not be necessary, demonstrating hands-on skills and a proactive approach to learning can set you apart.

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