As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Vulnerability Tester IV in the United States is $149,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, a Vulnerability Tester IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Vulnerability Tester IV'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 IV'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 II | 2-4 years | $101,753 |
| Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst III | 4-7 years | $130,465 |
| Vulnerability Tester IV | 7+ years | $149,962 |
| Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst V | 7-10 years | $174,290 |
| Penetration and Vulnerability Manager | 10+ years | $139,382 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Vulnerability Tester IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $167,763. While startup companies pay approximate $141,877.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $141,877 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $150,057 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $162,007 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $167,763 |
For Vulnerability Tester IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Vulnerability Tester positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Vulnerability Tester IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $179,988 | $87.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Vulnerability Tester IV'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 IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Penetration and Vulnerability Analyst V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $174,300 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Vulnerability Tester IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $132,121 in 2023 to around $128,680 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Vulnerability Tester IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $132,121 |
| 2024 | $130,031 |
| 2025 | $128,680 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Vulnerability Tester IV roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The salary for an entry-level Vulnerability Tester typically ranges from $137,090 to $170,090, with a mid-range salary of $153,090. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, emphasizing the importance of skills and expertise in vulnerability management.
While a QA tester should have a basic understanding of coding concepts, it's not mandatory to write code. Many successful testers thrive without coding skills. In terms of compensation, Vulnerability Testers can expect salaries ranging from $137,090 to $170,090, with a mid-salary of $153,090, reflecting the diverse skill sets in the field.
The salary for a Vulnerability Tester ranges from $137,090 to $170,090 per year, with a mid-range salary of $153,090. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting the importance of their role in cybersecurity.
The highest paid Vulnerability Tester can earn up to $170,090 per year. In comparison, a typical QA Tester earns between $61K and $110K annually, while a Senior QA Tester makes between $75K and $132K. For a QA Tester IV, the salary ranges from $88K to $134K. The salary for a Vulnerability Tester reflects a more specialized skill set and higher demand in the industry.
The highest reported salary for a Vulnerability Tester is $170,090. The top 10% of employees in this role earn significantly more, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in cybersecurity.
The highest salary for a Vulnerability Tester in the USA is approximately $170,090 per year. The average salary typically ranges from a minimum of $137,090 to a mid-level of $153,090. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, with top cities offering varying salaries for software testers.
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