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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Penetration Testing Engineer salary lies between USD 121,706 and USD 220,000 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: Dec. 22, 2024

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

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level/Expert Penetration Testing Engineer can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range from 70% to 85% of the total compensation. Bonuses are also a common component, often tied to performance metrics or company profitability, and can account for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, salaries tend to be higher to compensate for living expenses. Similarly, larger companies or those in highly competitive industries like finance or technology may offer more lucrative compensation packages.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of $158,300, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions typically command higher salaries due to their increased responsibility and strategic importance. Additionally, specializing in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or IoT security, can make you more valuable and justify a higher salary. Networking within the industry and building a strong professional reputation can also lead to opportunities with higher compensation. Finally, consider negotiating your salary by leveraging offers from other companies or demonstrating your impact on the organization's security posture.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Penetration Testing Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, particularly in specialized areas of cybersecurity. A strong educational background provides a foundation in the technical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for the role. Additionally, continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies are crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial certifications for a Penetration Testing Engineer include:

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Penetration Testing Engineer is expected to have at least 5 to 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, on-premises, and hybrid systems, is often required. Additionally, hands-on experience with a wide range of security tools and technologies, as well as a proven track record of identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities, is essential.

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