Junior Pen Tester Salary in the United States

How much does a Junior Pen Tester make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Junior Pen Tester in the United States is $49,413 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Junior Pen Tester's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $58,983
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,058 to $54,423
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,181

Key Factors That Influence Junior Pen Tester Salaries

A Junior Pen Tester's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Junior Pen Testers

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: $62,325
  • San Francisco: $61,643
  • Oakland: $60,344

What Skills Can Increase a Junior Pen Tester's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 2.54% Job Postings): Executing and completing a task with a high level of accuracy.
  • Work Ethic (Mentioned in 3.21% Job Postings): A belief that work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue or value to strengthen character and individual abilities. A set of values centered on importance of work and manifested by determination or desire to work hard.
  • Machine Operation (Mentioned in 1.63% Job Postings): Applying methods and techniques to implement, maintain, repair, design, and update various machines following specific rules to ensure safety.
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 2.54%
Work Ethic 3.21%
Machine Operation 1.63%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Junior Pen Tester's salary.

  • Standard Operating Procedures: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Standard Operating Procedures $52,378
6%
Leadership $52,378
6%
Decision Making $52,378
6%

Junior Pen Tester Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Junior Pen Tester roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 113% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Junior Pen Tester positions in Transportation or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Junior Pen Tester as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Junior Pen Tester

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$69,179$33.040%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$64,237$31.030%
Aerospace & Defense$59,296$29.020%
Pharmaceuticals$55,343$27.012%
Construction$54,355$26.010%

How Education impacts a Junior Pen Tester's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Junior Pen Testers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Junior Pen Tester with a No Diploma is between $47,897 and $51,549).

Junior Pen Tester Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Junior Pen Tester
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 63.6%
High School 63.6%
Associates 27.3%
Bachelors 9.1%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%

Junior Pen Tester Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Junior Pen Tester'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
$44,058
Average $49,413/year
$54,423
$3,671
Average $4,118/month
$4,535
$847
Average $950/week
$1,047
$21
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $54,423 $4,535 $1,047 $26
Average $49,413 $4,118 $950 $24
25th Percentile $44,058 $3,671 $847 $21

Most common benefits for Junior Pen Tester

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

Common company salaries for Junior Pen Tester

Here are companies hiring for Junior Pen Tester and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Junior Pen Tester

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Junior Pen Tester?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Junior Pen Tester roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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