Salary for Senior-level / Expert Penetration Testing Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Penetration Testing Engineer salary lies between USD 136,000 and USD 220,000 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: Dec. 22, 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 Pentesting, Cloud and Application security. 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 | 22 jobs Cloud | 21 jobs Application security | 17 jobs Java | 15 jobs Computer Science | 15 jobs AWS | 13 jobs C | 13 jobs Python | 13 jobs Vulnerabilities | 12 jobs Automation | 12 jobs Audits | 11 jobs Network security | 11 jobs Red team | 11 jobs JavaScript | 11 jobs Rust | 11 jobs Scripting | 11 jobs CTF | 10 jobs Cryptography | 9 jobs Ruby | 9 jobs APIs | 7 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, Flex hours and Team events. 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 | 14 jobs Flex hours | 11 jobs Team events | 11 jobs Equity / stock options | 9 jobs Startup environment | 9 jobs Health care | 5 jobs Competitive pay | 3 jobs Medical leave | 3 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs Flex vacation | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Penetration Testing Engineer typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in tech companies and startups, potentially adding another 5-10% to the total package. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. Industry-wise, financial services and tech companies often offer higher compensation compared to other sectors.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 155,000, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions not only offer higher salaries but also provide strategic influence within an organization. Another approach is to specialize in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or IoT security, which are in high demand. Additionally, gaining expertise in emerging technologies like AI and machine learning can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles and attending conferences can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level penetration testing roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for expert-level positions. A strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and programming is essential. Continuous learning is crucial in this field, so staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies is highly recommended.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your credibility and expertise in the field of penetration testing. Some of the most recognized certifications 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 a commitment to the field and provide a structured learning path to enhance your skills.

Required Experience

Typically, a senior-level penetration testing engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a significant portion dedicated to penetration testing. Experience in conducting security assessments, vulnerability analysis, and risk management is crucial. Familiarity with various penetration testing tools and methodologies, as well as experience in different environments (e.g., cloud, on-premises, hybrid), is often required.

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