Salary for Senior-level / Expert Penetration Tester during 2022

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 114,800 and USD 180,000 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 Senior-level / Expert Penetration Tester roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Penetration Tester job listings are Pentesting, Vulnerabilities and Python. 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 | 48 jobs Vulnerabilities | 44 jobs Python | 31 jobs OSCP | 30 jobs Cloud | 30 jobs Linux | 28 jobs Application security | 28 jobs Scripting | 27 jobs OWASP | 23 jobs Network security | 22 jobs GPEN | 22 jobs Offensive security | 22 jobs TCP/IP | 22 jobs Computer Science | 22 jobs Java | 21 jobs Security assessment | 18 jobs AWS | 18 jobs Windows | 17 jobs GXPN | 16 jobs C | 16 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Penetration Tester roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Penetration Tester job listings are Career development, Health care and Competitive pay. 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 | 23 jobs Health care | 16 jobs Competitive pay | 12 jobs Equity / stock options | 9 jobs Salary bonus | 9 jobs 401(k) matching | 8 jobs Startup environment | 7 jobs Conferences | 7 jobs Team events | 7 jobs Flex hours | 6 jobs Flex vacation | 6 jobs Insurance | 6 jobs Parental leave | 3 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 3 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Penetration Tester can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. Generally, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary tends to be higher to compensate for living expenses. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living may offer a smaller base salary but could provide more substantial bonuses or stock options.

Industries like finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these fields. Larger companies may provide more comprehensive compensation packages, including benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. In contrast, smaller companies or startups might offer equity or stock options as part of the remuneration package.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level Penetration Tester position, consider the following steps:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, IoT security, or blockchain security, which are in high demand.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as a Security Team Lead or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher salaries.
• Consulting: Consider moving into a consulting role, where you can leverage your expertise to advise multiple organizations, often at a higher pay rate.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies, and pursue advanced certifications or degrees to enhance your qualifications.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Penetration Tester positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for expert-level roles. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and programming is essential, as is a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most recognized and helpful certifications for penetration testers include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)

These certifications validate your skills in ethical hacking, penetration testing methodologies, and cybersecurity management.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Penetration Tester is expected to have at least 5-7 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a focus on penetration testing. This experience should include hands-on testing, vulnerability assessment, and security analysis. Experience in developing and implementing security policies, as well as familiarity with various security tools and technologies, is also crucial.

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