As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Ethical Hacker in the United States is $72,660 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Certified Ethical Hacker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Certified Ethical Hacker'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Ethical Hacker'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Ethical Hacker | $69,628 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Ethical Hacker | $70,083 |
| Senior Level Certified Ethical Hacker | $71,599 |
| Specialist Level Certified Ethical Hacker | $73,961 |
| Expert Level Certified Ethical Hacker | $75,591 |
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 Certified Ethical Hackers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Certified Ethical Hacker roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Financial Services, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Certified Ethical Hacker positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Certified Ethical Hacker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $87,192 | $42.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Certified Ethical Hackers enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Certified Ethical Hacker with a Associate's Degree is between $73,962 and $80,919).
Certified Ethical Hacker Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 18.8% |
| High School | 18.8% |
| Associates | 8.8% |
| Bachelors | 54.1% |
| Masters | 16.6% |
| Doctorate | 1.7% |
Understanding how a Certified Ethical Hacker'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Certified Ethical Hacker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $78,422 in 2023 to around $79,187 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Certified Ethical Hacker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $78,422 |
| 2024 | $79,876 |
| 2025 | $79,187 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Certified Ethical Hacker roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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.)
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