Salary for Senior-level / Expert Penetration Testing Engineer during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Penetration Testing Engineer salary lies between USD 136,000 and USD 212,800 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: Dec. 15, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Penetration Testing Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Penetration Testing Engineer job listings are Network security, Cryptography and Red team. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Network security | 9 jobs Cryptography | 9 jobs Red team | 9 jobs Pentesting | 9 jobs IAM | 9 jobs Computer Science | 9 jobs Audits | 8 jobs AWS | 8 jobs CTF | 8 jobs S3 | 8 jobs Lambda | 8 jobs Automation | 8 jobs C | 8 jobs Java | 8 jobs JavaScript | 8 jobs Python | 8 jobs Ruby | 8 jobs Rust | 8 jobs EC2 | 8 jobs Application security | 8 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Penetration Testing Engineer job listings are Career development, Conferences and Equity / stock options. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 9 jobs Conferences | 9 jobs Equity / stock options | 5 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs

Salary Composition for Senior Penetration Testing Engineers

The salary for a Senior Penetration Testing Engineer typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the largest component and can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher base salaries compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market.

Bonuses are usually performance-based and can be tied to individual achievements, team performance, or company-wide success. In larger companies, bonuses might be more structured and predictable, while smaller companies might offer more variable bonuses based on their financial performance. Additional remuneration can include stock options, especially in tech startups, or other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Senior Position

To increase your salary further from a senior-level 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 leadership or managerial roles, such as a Security Architect 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 and potentially earn a higher income.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies through continuous learning and certifications, which can make you more valuable to employers.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level penetration testing 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 roles that involve strategic decision-making or leadership responsibilities. A strong educational background provides a solid foundation in the technical and theoretical aspects of cybersecurity.

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): Focuses on understanding and using hacking tools and techniques.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Known for its hands-on approach and rigorous exam.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): While broader in scope, it demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles.
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN): Offers a focus on penetration testing methodologies and techniques.

Required Experience

Typically, a senior penetration testing role requires at least 5-10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a significant portion dedicated to penetration testing. Experience in related roles, such as network security, incident response, or security analysis, can also be beneficial. Employers look for a proven track record of identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities in various environments.

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