Salary for Senior-level / Expert Penetration Tester during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 102,900 and USD 188,500 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. 17, 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 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 | 243 jobs Vulnerabilities | 210 jobs OSCP | 181 jobs Cloud | 166 jobs Python | 128 jobs Scripting | 121 jobs Red team | 104 jobs Linux | 104 jobs Security assessment | 99 jobs Burp Suite | 93 jobs OWASP | 93 jobs Application security | 90 jobs Metasploit | 89 jobs Exploit | 88 jobs C | 84 jobs Computer Science | 84 jobs GPEN | 83 jobs APIs | 82 jobs AWS | 80 jobs Offensive security | 80 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 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 | 124 jobs Health care | 93 jobs Flex hours | 71 jobs Team events | 59 jobs Competitive pay | 54 jobs Salary bonus | 41 jobs Insurance | 40 jobs Flex vacation | 35 jobs Equity / stock options | 34 jobs Parental leave | 30 jobs Medical leave | 29 jobs Startup environment | 27 jobs 401(k) matching | 23 jobs Conferences | 17 jobs Wellness | 13 jobs Fitness / gym | 8 jobs Gear | 7 jobs Flexible spending account | 7 jobs Transparency | 6 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert Penetration Tester typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is often the largest component, providing a stable income. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual achievements, and the specific industry. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to smaller firms or non-profit organizations. Additionally, larger companies or those in high-cost regions like Silicon Valley or New York City may offer more competitive compensation packages, including benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Increasing Salary Potential

To increase your salary further from a Senior Penetration Tester position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Security Team Lead or Security Manager. These positions often come with higher pay and additional responsibilities. Specializing in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or IoT security, can also make you more valuable. Additionally, obtaining advanced certifications or pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity, can enhance your qualifications and bargaining power. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior 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 educational background provides a solid foundation in the technical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for penetration testing. Additionally, coursework in areas such as network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most recognized 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 demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior Penetration Tester role requires several years of experience in cybersecurity, with a focus on penetration testing. Employers often look for candidates with at least 5-7 years of relevant experience. This experience should include hands-on testing, vulnerability assessment, and security analysis. Experience in various industries, such as finance, healthcare, or government, can also be advantageous, as it demonstrates your ability to adapt to different security environments and challenges.

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