As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Penetration Testing Manager in the United States is $139,422 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, a Penetration Testing Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Penetration Testing Manager'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 Testing Manager'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 IV | 7+ years | $149,937 |
| Penetration Tester V | 7-10 years | $174,273 |
| Penetration Testing Manager | 10+ years | $139,422 |
| Penetration Testing Senior Manager | 10+ years | $170,796 |
| Penetration Testing Director | 10+ years | $208,299 |
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 Testing Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Penetration Testing Manager'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 March 01, 2026For a Penetration Testing Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Penetration Testing Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $170,796 - a projected growth of 23% over your current level.
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A Penetration Testing Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Penetration Testing Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Penetration Testing Manager is $175,853.
The highest pay for Penetration Testing Manager is $154,935.
The lowest pay for Penetration Testing Manager is $125,067.
Manages a team that performs penetration testing to assess and identify security vulnerabilities of networks, applications, and systems. Implements methodologies to analyze and define risk, identify weaknesses, and drive the development of countermeasures and security improvements. Designs, plans, and executes vulnerability assessment and penetration testing activities. Develops and utilizes the latest tools, techniques, training, and countermeasures for testing system and application vulnerabilities. Directs a variety of manual and automated penetration testing. Leads red/blue team testing and event monitoring. Has extensive experience using a variety of assessment tools (such as Nmap, BurpSuite, Kali Linux), scripting languages (like Bash, Python, Perl, or Ruby), and cybersecurity frameworks and protocols. Implements testing policies and procedures that align with the organization's cybersecurity policies, standards, and industry best practices. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science. May require GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT), and/or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certificate. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
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