Salary for Entry-level / Junior Penetration Tester during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 81,700 and USD 138,000 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 Entry-level / Junior Penetration Tester roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Penetration Tester job listings are Pentesting, Vulnerabilities and OSCP. 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 | 43 jobs Vulnerabilities | 41 jobs OSCP | 35 jobs Cloud | 34 jobs Python | 25 jobs Red team | 24 jobs Computer Science | 21 jobs GPEN | 20 jobs Nmap | 17 jobs Java | 17 jobs Linux | 17 jobs Application security | 17 jobs Security assessment | 16 jobs CEH | 16 jobs Burp Suite | 15 jobs Metasploit | 14 jobs JavaScript | 14 jobs APIs | 14 jobs C | 13 jobs Nessus | 13 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, 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 | 24 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Flex hours | 8 jobs Health care | 8 jobs Competitive pay | 8 jobs Team events | 8 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs Gear | 5 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Salary bonus | 4 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Entry-Level Penetration Testers

The salary for an entry-level or junior penetration tester typically comprises a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can vary significantly depending on the company's size, industry, and location. For instance, tech companies in major urban centers might offer higher bonuses compared to smaller firms in less competitive markets. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, salaries might be higher to compensate for living expenses.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Entry-Level Position

To increase your salary from an entry-level penetration tester position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously upgrade your technical skills and stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and tools. Mastering advanced penetration testing techniques and tools can make you more valuable to employers.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
• Networking: Engage with professional communities, attend conferences, and participate in cybersecurity forums to expand your professional network and learn about new opportunities.
• Specialization: Consider specializing in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or IoT security, which can command higher salaries.
• Experience and Leadership: Gain experience and take on leadership roles in projects to demonstrate your ability to manage teams and complex tasks, paving the way for promotions.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level penetration tester positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept candidates with an associate degree or relevant experience, especially if they possess strong technical skills and certifications. A solid understanding of networking, operating systems, and programming is essential, and coursework in cybersecurity can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications play a crucial role in establishing credibility and expertise in the field of penetration testing. Some of the most recognized and helpful certifications include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on understanding and using hacking tools and techniques.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Known for its rigorous hands-on approach, it is highly respected in the industry.
• CompTIA PenTest+: Covers penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN): Offers a comprehensive understanding of penetration testing methodologies.

Experience Requirements

For entry-level positions, 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, Burp Suite, and Wireshark is often required. Demonstrating experience through participation in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions or contributing to open-source security projects can also be advantageous.

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