As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pen Tester in Locust, NC is $51,781 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Pen Tester's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Pen 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Pen 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 |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Pen Tester | $45,156 |
| Pen Teste... Level Pen Tester | $51,216 |
| Software ... Level Pen Tester | $61,094 |
| Software ... Level Pen Tester | $68,655 |
| Software ... Level Pen Tester | $113,881 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.51% |
| Software Testing | 2.91% |
| Software Development | 2.27% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
IDEA
|
$57,476 |
11%
|
|
Social Engineering
|
$56,441 |
9%
|
|
Penetration Testing
|
$55,923 |
8%
|
|
Cybersecurity
|
$55,923 |
8%
|
|
Python
|
$55,405 |
7%
|
|
Software Development
|
$55,405 |
7%
|
For Pen Tester roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Pen Tester positions in Hospitality & Leisure or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Pen Tester as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $62,137 | $30.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $59,548 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $59,548 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $59,548 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $56,959 | $27.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a 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 August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Pen Tester job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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