Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Penetration Tester in United Kingdom during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 63,033 and USD 81,943 in the United Kingdom. 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 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Pentesting | 118 jobs Vulnerabilities | 93 jobs OSCP | 77 jobs Python | 67 jobs Cloud | 59 jobs Scripting | 51 jobs Burp Suite | 49 jobs Security assessment | 46 jobs Compliance | 46 jobs GPEN | 42 jobs Computer Science | 42 jobs Red team | 41 jobs Linux | 41 jobs CEH | 38 jobs Clearance | 38 jobs Metasploit | 37 jobs OWASP | 36 jobs PowerShell | 33 jobs Offensive security | 31 jobs C | 30 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 | 83 jobs Health care | 51 jobs Flex hours | 41 jobs Competitive pay | 34 jobs Team events | 31 jobs Insurance | 26 jobs Startup environment | 24 jobs Equity / stock options | 21 jobs Salary bonus | 19 jobs Flex vacation | 17 jobs Conferences | 17 jobs Medical leave | 17 jobs Parental leave | 16 jobs Wellness | 11 jobs 401(k) matching | 8 jobs Home office stipend | 5 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs Travel | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for a Mid-level Penetration Tester in the UK

The salary for a mid-level penetration tester in the UK typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as benefits or stock options. The fixed base salary is the most significant component, often accounting for 70-85% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary widely, ranging from 5-15% of the base salary, depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, pension contributions, and, in some cases, stock options or shares, especially in larger tech companies or startups. The composition can vary significantly based on the region, with London-based roles often offering higher salaries due to the cost of living. Industry and company size also play a role; for instance, financial services and large multinational corporations may offer more competitive packages compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Mid-level Position

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your technical skills, particularly in emerging areas like cloud security, IoT security, and advanced threat detection.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) to demonstrate expertise and commitment.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities, attend conferences, and participate in workshops to increase your visibility and learn about new opportunities.
• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to lead projects or teams, which can position you for roles with greater responsibility and higher pay.
• Industry Specialization: Specialize in high-demand industries such as finance, healthcare, or government, where security expertise is highly valued and often better compensated.

Educational Requirements for a Penetration Tester

Most mid-level penetration tester positions require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent experience or a combination of education and experience. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and programming is essential. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity, can be advantageous but are not always necessary.

Helpful Certifications for Penetration Testers

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

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Provides foundational knowledge in ethical hacking and penetration testing.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Known for its rigorous hands-on approach, it is highly respected in the industry.
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN): Focuses on penetration testing methodologies and techniques.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): While broader in scope, it demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles.

Experience Required for Mid-level Penetration Testing Roles

Typically, mid-level penetration tester roles require 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. This experience should include hands-on penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and familiarity with various security tools and frameworks. Experience in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, can be beneficial, as can experience with compliance standards like GDPR or PCI-DSS.

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