As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Junior Penetration Tester in the United States is $67,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Junior Penetration Tester's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Junior Penetration Tester'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 Junior Penetration Tester'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 Junior Penetration Tester | $65,305 |
| Intermediate Level Junior Penetration Tester | $65,540 |
| Senior Level Junior Penetration Tester | $68,413 |
| Specialist Level Junior Penetration Tester | $71,357 |
| Expert Level Junior Penetration Tester | $71,567 |
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 Junior Penetration Testers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 4.67% |
| Clinical Support | 1.33% |
| Patient Care | 1.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Listening
|
$80,760 |
20%
|
|
Content Management
|
$76,722 |
14%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$72,011 |
7%
|
|
Integrity
|
$71,338 |
6%
|
|
Library Science
|
$70,665 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$70,665 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Junior Penetration Testers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Penetration Tester with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $68,578 and $73,067).
Junior Penetration Tester Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.3% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 84.1% |
| Bachelors | 6.8% |
| Masters | 84.1% |
| Doctorate | 6.8% |
Understanding how a Junior Penetration 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Junior Penetration Tester can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $61,260 in 2023 to around $60,494 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Junior Penetration Tester salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $61,260 |
| 2024 | $60,946 |
| 2025 | $60,494 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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