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Vulnerability Tester III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $155,326
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $123,290 to $143,490
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $116,735
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Vulnerability Tester III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Vulnerability Tester Salaries?

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:

  • Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst I (0-2 years): $84,538
  • Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst II (2-4 years): $101,754
  • Vulnerability Tester 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
Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst I0-2 years$84,538
Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst II2-4 years$101,754
Vulnerability Tester 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 III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $144,490.
  • California: $143,990.
  • Massachusetts: $142,090.

Top Paying Cities for Vulnerability Tester IIIs

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: $164,590
  • San Francisco: $162,790
  • Oakland: $159,390

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

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 $145,828. While startup companies pay approximate $123,356.

Vulnerability Tester III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $123,356
Growth Stage 51~500 $130,461
Established 501~5000 $140,816
Enterprise 5000+ $145,828

Vulnerability Tester III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industry for a Vulnerability Tester III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$195,735$94.050%

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

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 September 01, 2026
$123,290
Average $130,490/year
$143,490
$10,274
Average $10,874/month
$11,958
$2,371
Average $2,509/week
$2,759
$59
Average $63/hour
$69
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $143,490 $11,958 $2,759 $69
Average $130,490 $10,874 $2,509 $63
25th Percentile $123,290 $10,274 $2,371 $59

Vulnerability Tester III Salary Growth & Career Path

Vulnerability Tester III

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Advancement

For 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.

Most common benefits for Vulnerability Tester III

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

Common company salaries for Vulnerability Tester III

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

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FAQ about Vulnerability Tester III

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Vulnerability Tester III roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. Is vulnerability management entry level?

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.

3. Is vulnerability management in demand?

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.

4. How much do risk analysts make in the US?

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.

5. How much do vulnerability analysts make in the US?

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.

6. What is the highest paid security job?

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.

7. How much does entry level vulnerability management pay?

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.

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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