As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Vulnerability Tester III in the United States is $130,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a Vulnerability Tester III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Vulnerability Tester III'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 III'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 |
| Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst II | 2-4 years | $101,753 |
| Vulnerability Tester 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Vulnerability Tester III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $145,952. While startup companies pay approximate $123,432.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $123,432 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $130,548 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $140,945 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $145,952 |
For Vulnerability Tester III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Vulnerability Tester positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Vulnerability Tester III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $195,735 | $94.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Vulnerability Tester III'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 III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $150,000 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Salaries for a Vulnerability Tester III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $114,632 in 2023 to around $111,165 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Vulnerability Tester III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $114,632 |
| 2024 | $112,294 |
| 2025 | $111,165 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Vulnerability Tester III roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
Vulnerability management is typically not considered entry-level, as many employers expect candidates for roles like Vulnerability Tester to have 1-3 years of experience in information technology, cybersecurity, or computer science. The salary for this position ranges from $115,790 to $143,690, with a mid-salary of $128,890, reflecting the expertise required.
Yes, vulnerability management is in high demand, with the global market projected to grow from USD 16.51 billion in 2024 to USD 24.04 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 6.4%. As a Vulnerability Tester, you can expect a salary range from $115,790 to $143,690, with a median salary of $128,890, highlighting the value of this role in the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
According to recent data, the salary for Vulnerability Testers in the U.S. ranges from a minimum of $115,790 to a maximum of $143,690, with a median salary of approximately $128,890. This reflects the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in the industry.
Vulnerability Analysts in the US earn between $115,790 and $143,690 annually, with a median salary of $128,890. This translates to approximately $55.66 to $69.00 per hour, or $2,149 to $2,740 per week. The average annual salary reflects the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in today's digital landscape.
The highest paid security jobs include roles like Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Security Architects, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually. For specialized positions like Vulnerability Testers, salaries range from $115,790 to $143,690, reflecting the critical demand for expertise in identifying and mitigating security risks.
The salary for an entry-level Vulnerability Tester typically ranges from $115,790 to $128,890. This reflects the starting compensation for individuals entering the field, with opportunities for growth as experience increases.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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