Salary for Senior-level / Expert Penetration Tester in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Penetration Tester salary lies between USD 114,800 and USD 180,000 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: 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 for a Senior-level or Expert 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 fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes equity in the company, especially in tech startups or larger tech firms.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and more substantial bonuses to offset the higher cost of living. Industry also plays a role; financial services and tech companies often offer more competitive compensation packages compared to other sectors. Company size can influence salary as well, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

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

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, IoT security, or advanced threat detection, which are in high demand.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into managerial or leadership roles, such as a Security Team Lead or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically come with higher compensation.
• 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 that can justify a higher salary.

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 educational background provides a solid foundation in the technical skills necessary for penetration testing and cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field, as they validate your skills and knowledge. Some of the most recognized and helpful certifications for a Senior-level Penetration Tester include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and can significantly enhance your employability and salary prospects.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Penetration Tester is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a significant portion of that time spent in penetration testing or related roles. Experience in various environments, such as cloud, network, and application security, is often required. Demonstrated experience in leading penetration testing projects and mentoring junior testers can also be advantageous.

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