As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Penetration Testing Manager in California is $153,773 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.
However, a Penetration Testing Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Penetration Testing Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $162,728 | $13,561 | $3,129 | $78 |
| Average | $153,773 | $12,814 | $2,957 | $74 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,481 | $12,123 | $2,798 | $70 |
HCLTech - San Jose, CA
NAM Info Inc - Torrance, CA
Samuel Knight Energy & Infrastructure - Los Angeles, CA
Vimo - Mountain View, CA
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 | $165,387 |
| Penetration Tester V | 7-10 years | $192,228 |
| Penetration Testing Manager | 10+ years | $153,773 |
| Penetration Testing Senior Manager | 10+ years | $188,380 |
| Penetration Testing Director | 10+ years | $229,744 |
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:
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:
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $162,728 | $13,561 | $3,129 | $78 |
| Average | $153,773 | $12,814 | $2,957 | $74 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,481 | $12,123 | $2,798 | $70 |
For 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 $188,380 - a projected growth of 23% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Penetration Testing Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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