Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Penetration Tester during 2022

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 42,000 and USD 110,000 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 Mid-level / Intermediate Penetration Tester roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Penetration Tester job listings are Pentesting, Vulnerabilities and OSCP. 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 | 33 jobs Vulnerabilities | 25 jobs OSCP | 20 jobs Scripting | 16 jobs Application security | 15 jobs Cloud | 15 jobs Windows | 14 jobs Security assessment | 12 jobs Python | 12 jobs Compliance | 11 jobs Linux | 10 jobs APIs | 10 jobs Burp Suite | 9 jobs CISSP | 9 jobs Clearance | 9 jobs Bash | 9 jobs Strategy | 8 jobs Firewalls | 8 jobs Nmap | 8 jobs Risk management | 8 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Mid-level / Intermediate Penetration Tester roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Penetration Tester job listings are Career development, Flex hours and 401(k) matching. 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 | 18 jobs Flex hours | 14 jobs 401(k) matching | 12 jobs Health care | 10 jobs Startup environment | 9 jobs Salary bonus | 8 jobs Parental leave | 7 jobs Flex vacation | 7 jobs Insurance | 4 jobs Competitive pay | 3 jobs Team events | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a mid-level penetration tester typically consists of a base salary, performance bonuses, and sometimes additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and the specific industry. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to smaller firms or non-tech industries. Additionally, companies in regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, may offer higher base salaries to attract talent. Company size also plays a role; larger companies often have more resources to offer competitive compensation packages, including comprehensive benefits and additional perks.

Increasing Salary

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, especially in emerging areas like cloud security, IoT security, or AI-driven security solutions.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) to demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities, attend conferences, and participate in workshops to increase your visibility and learn about new opportunities.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for roles with more responsibility, such as team lead or project manager, which often come with higher pay.
• Industry Shift: Consider moving to industries that pay higher for cybersecurity roles, such as finance, healthcare, or government sectors.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-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 equivalent work experience in lieu of a formal degree, especially if accompanied by relevant certifications and a strong portfolio of work. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, can be advantageous and may lead to higher salaries or more senior positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. Some common and beneficial certifications for penetration testers 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 a solid understanding of penetration testing methodologies, tools, and best practices.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level penetration tester is expected to have 3-5 years of relevant experience in cybersecurity or IT roles. This experience should include hands-on work with penetration testing tools, vulnerability assessment, and security analysis. Experience in specific industries or with particular technologies can also be beneficial, depending on the employer's focus.

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