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Vulnerability Tester I Salary in the United States

How much does a Vulnerability Tester I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Vulnerability Tester I in the United States is $84,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.

However, a Vulnerability Tester I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $98,918
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $78,790 to $92,090
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $73,509
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Vulnerability Tester I Salaries

A Vulnerability Tester I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Vulnerability Tester Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Vulnerability Tester I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Vulnerability Tester I (0-2 years): $84,538
  • Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst II (2-4 years): $101,754
  • Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst III (4-7 years): $130,481
  • Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst IV (7+ years): $149,975
  • Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst V (7-10 years): $174,299
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Vulnerability Tester I0-2 years$84,538
Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst II2-4 years$101,754
Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst III4-7 years$130,481
Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst IV7+ years$149,975
Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst V7-10 years$174,299
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How Do Vulnerability Tester I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Vulnerability Tester Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $93,690.
  • California: $93,290.
  • Massachusetts: $92,090.

Top Paying Cities for Vulnerability Tester Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $106,690
  • San Francisco: $105,490
  • Oakland: $103,290

Vulnerability Tester I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Vulnerability Tester I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $94,533. While startup companies pay approximate $79,965.

Vulnerability Tester I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $79,965
Growth Stage 51~500 $84,571
Established 501~5000 $91,284
Enterprise 5000+ $94,533

Vulnerability Tester I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Vulnerability Tester I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Vulnerability Tester positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Vulnerability Tester I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Vulnerability Tester I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Construction$101,508$49.020%
Pharmaceuticals$101,508$49.020%
Energy & Utilities$97,278$47.015%
Biotechnology$93,049$45.010%
MFG Durable$93,049$45.010%

Vulnerability Tester I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Vulnerability Tester I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$78,790
Average $84,590/year
$92,090
$6,566
Average $7,049/month
$7,674
$1,515
Average $1,627/week
$1,771
$38
Average $41/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $92,090 $7,674 $1,771 $44
Average $84,590 $7,049 $1,627 $41
25th Percentile $78,790 $6,566 $1,515 $38

Vulnerability Tester I Salary Growth & Career Path

Vulnerability Tester I

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Advancement

For a Vulnerability Tester I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $101,800 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Vulnerability Tester I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Vulnerability Tester I

Here are companies hiring for Vulnerability Tester I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Vulnerability Tester I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Vulnerability Tester I?

The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for Vulnerability Tester I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary of risk analyst?

The salary for a Vulnerability Tester ranges from $75,790 to $97,090 annually, with a median salary of $84,690.

3. How much does entry level vulnerability management pay?

Entry-level positions in vulnerability management typically offer a salary range of $75,790 to $97,090. The average salary for these roles is around $84,690, reflecting the competitive nature of the field.

4. What is the highest salary for a security analyst?

The highest salary for a Vulnerability Tester is approximately $97,090. Salary ranges for this role typically start at $75,790 and can go up to $97,090, reflecting varying levels of experience and expertise in the field.

5. Is risk management a good career in USA?

Risk management can be a lucrative career in the USA, especially for roles like Vulnerability Tester, which offers a salary range from $75,790 to $97,090, with a midpoint of $84,690. This field is essential for organizations to safeguard against potential threats, making it a valuable and rewarding career choice.

6. How much do security testers make in the US?

As of now, the salary for a Vulnerability Tester in the US ranges from $75,790 to $97,090 annually, with a median salary of $84,690. This translates to approximately $36.43 to $46.67 per hour, or $1,465 to $1,871 per week.

7. Is security testing in demand?

Security testing is in high demand as it plays a crucial role in software development and maintenance. With the increasing complexity of cyber threats, organizations require skilled testers to ensure applications are secure and resilient. The salary for a Vulnerability Tester ranges from $75,790 to $97,090, reflecting the importance of this role in today's digital landscape.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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