Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Penetration Tester during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 81,250 and USD 146,875 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: Dec. 15, 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, OSCP and Python. 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 | 170 jobs OSCP | 124 jobs Python | 112 jobs Cloud | 106 jobs Vulnerabilities | 103 jobs Burp Suite | 99 jobs Scripting | 95 jobs Metasploit | 84 jobs CEH | 82 jobs OWASP | 79 jobs PowerShell | 77 jobs Nmap | 75 jobs Exploit | 71 jobs Application security | 71 jobs AWS | 67 jobs Bash | 66 jobs Nessus | 64 jobs OSWE | 59 jobs Azure | 58 jobs GCP | 57 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, Health care 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 | 97 jobs Health care | 54 jobs Flex hours | 44 jobs Gear | 42 jobs Competitive pay | 35 jobs Team events | 35 jobs Insurance | 29 jobs Startup environment | 26 jobs Equity / stock options | 23 jobs Medical leave | 19 jobs Salary bonus | 19 jobs Conferences | 18 jobs Parental leave | 17 jobs Flex vacation | 17 jobs Wellness | 11 jobs 401(k) matching | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 6 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs Travel | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level Penetration Tester

The salary for a mid-level penetration tester typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary is the largest component, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances. Regional differences can also impact salary composition; for instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York may offer higher base salaries and stock options, while roles in smaller markets might focus more on bonuses and benefits. Industry and company size also play a role, with larger firms or those in high-demand sectors like finance or healthcare potentially offering more competitive packages.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Mid-level Position

To increase your salary from a mid-level penetration tester position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training that can set you apart from your peers. Gaining expertise in emerging areas such as cloud security, IoT security, or AI-driven security solutions can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or project management responsibilities can demonstrate your capability to handle more complex tasks, which can lead to promotions and salary increases. Exploring opportunities in high-demand industries or regions where cybersecurity skills are scarce can also result in better compensation.

Educational Requirements for a Mid-level Penetration Tester

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. A strong foundation in networking, programming, and systems administration is often necessary, as these skills are crucial for understanding and exploiting vulnerabilities.

Helpful Certifications for Penetration Testers

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Common and beneficial certifications for penetration testers include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
• CompTIA PenTest+

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate for employers.

Experience Required for Mid-level Penetration Testing

Typically, a mid-level penetration tester is expected to have 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with penetration testing tools and methodologies, as well as a proven track record of identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be advantageous due to the unique security challenges they present.

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