Salary for Entry-level / Junior Penetration Tester in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 81,700 and USD 138,000 in the United States. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). 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 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 | 44 jobs Vulnerabilities | 42 jobs OSCP | 35 jobs Cloud | 35 jobs Python | 26 jobs Red team | 25 jobs Computer Science | 22 jobs GPEN | 20 jobs Nmap | 18 jobs Application security | 18 jobs Security assessment | 17 jobs Java | 17 jobs Linux | 17 jobs Burp Suite | 16 jobs CEH | 16 jobs Metasploit | 15 jobs JavaScript | 14 jobs Scripting | 14 jobs APIs | 14 jobs C | 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 | 25 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 Conferences | 5 jobs Parental leave | 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

The salary for an entry-level or junior penetration tester in the United States typically consists of a base salary, which is the fixed amount, and may include bonuses and additional remuneration. The base salary is often the largest component and can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like San Francisco or New York may offer higher base salaries compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and demand for cybersecurity professionals. Bonuses are often performance-based and can be influenced by the company's financial health and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider gaining more experience and specializing in a niche area of cybersecurity. Pursuing advanced certifications, such as the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), can also enhance your credentials. Networking within the industry and attending cybersecurity conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, seeking roles in industries that highly value cybersecurity, such as finance or healthcare, can lead to better compensation packages.

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 information security is particularly beneficial. Some positions may also require knowledge of specific operating systems or security tools.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your employability and credibility in the field of penetration testing. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on understanding and using hacking tools and techniques.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Known for its hands-on approach and practical exam.
• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts.
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN): Offers a more advanced 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, Nmap, and Wireshark is often expected. Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python or Bash can also be advantageous. While direct work experience may not be extensive, demonstrating a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and a proactive approach to learning can be beneficial.

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