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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 86,000 and USD 156,200 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: 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 in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the largest component, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 5-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Mid-level Position

To increase your salary beyond the mid-level penetration tester role, consider pursuing advanced certifications, gaining specialized skills, or transitioning into a more senior role such as a Senior Penetration Tester or Security Consultant. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Additionally, gaining experience in niche areas like cloud security or IoT security can make you more valuable to employers. Seeking roles in larger organizations or those in high-demand industries, such as finance or healthcare, can also lead to higher salaries.

Educational Requirements for a 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 essential, as these skills are critical for understanding and exploiting vulnerabilities.

Helpful Certifications for Penetration Testers

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects. Common 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 in penetration testing and cybersecurity.

Experience Required for Mid-level Roles

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 related roles, such as network security or systems administration, can also be beneficial.

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