As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Vulnerability Tester II in the United States is $101,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Vulnerability Tester II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Vulnerability Tester II'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Vulnerability Tester II'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst I | 0-2 years | $84,532 |
| Vulnerability Tester II | 2-4 years | $101,753 |
| Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst III | 4-7 years | $130,465 |
| Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst IV | 7+ years | $149,962 |
| Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst V | 7-10 years | $174,290 |
What Am I Worth?
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Vulnerability Tester II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $113,851. While startup companies pay approximate $96,284.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $96,284 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $101,836 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $109,945 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $113,851 |
For Vulnerability Tester II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 44% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Vulnerability Tester positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Vulnerability Tester II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $127,238 | $61.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $122,148 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $120,112 | $58.0 | 18% |
| Biotechnology | $114,005 | $55.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $111,969 | $54.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Vulnerability Tester II'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 July 01, 2026For a Vulnerability Tester II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $130,500 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.
Salaries for a Vulnerability Tester II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $96,453 in 2023 to around $94,971 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Vulnerability Tester II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $96,453 |
| 2024 | $96,400 |
| 2025 | $94,971 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Vulnerability Tester II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
To become a vulnerability manager, start by earning a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Gain experience in cybersecurity roles and pursue certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Stay updated with industry trends and skills. The salary for this role ranges from $91,090 to $115,790, with a mid-point of $103,590.
As of now, the salary for a Vulnerability Tester in the United States ranges from $91,090 to $115,790 annually, with a median salary of $103,590. This translates to approximately $43.75 to $55.66 per hour, or $1,750 to $2,150 per week.
The salary for a Vulnerability Tester ranges from $91,090 to $115,790 annually, with a median salary of $103,590. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, highlighting the importance of expertise in identifying and mitigating security risks.
The estimated total pay for a Vulnerability Tester in the USA ranges from $91,090 to $115,790 per year, with a mid-salary of $103,590. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data and provide a clear picture of compensation for this role.
In the IT sector, Vulnerability Testers earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $91,090, a mid-range of $103,590, and a maximum of $115,790. These roles demand a blend of technical expertise and experience, making them among the higher-paying positions in technology, alongside roles like Principal Software Engineer and Engineering Manager.
As of now, the salary range for a Vulnerability Tester in the United States is between $91,090 and $115,790 annually, with a median salary of $103,590. This translates to approximately $43.75 to $55.66 per hour, or about $1,757 to $2,149 per week.
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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