As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Penetration Tester I in South Dakota is $76,823 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Penetration Tester I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Penetration 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Penetration 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration Tester I | 0-2 years | $76,823 |
| Penetration Tester II | 2-4 years | $92,473 |
| Penetration Tester III | 4-7 years | $118,567 |
| Penetration Tester IV | 7+ years | $136,285 |
| Penetration Tester V | 7-10 years | $158,395 |
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 Penetration Tester Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Penetration Tester I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $85,926. While startup companies pay approximate $72,667.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $72,667 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $76,857 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $82,978 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $85,926 |
For Penetration 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, Penetration Tester positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Penetration Tester I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $92,187 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $92,187 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $88,346 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $84,505 | $41.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $84,505 | $41.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Penetration 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 July 01, 2026For a Penetration Tester I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Penetration Tester II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $92,473 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Penetration Tester I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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