As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security Penetration Tester in California is $99,736 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Security Penetration Tester's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Security Penetration Tester Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $109,812 | $9,151 | $2,112 | $53 |
| Average | $99,736 | $8,311 | $1,918 | $48 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,357 | $7,613 | $1,757 | $44 |
KPMG - Los Angeles, CA
KPMG - San Francisco, CA
NetSPI - Ontario, CA
NetSPI - Ontario, CA
A Security 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Security 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 |
|---|---|
| Security ... Level Security Penetration Tester | $98,995 |
| IT Strate... Level Security Penetration Tester | $108,984 |
| IT Strate... Level Security Penetration Tester | $135,519 |
| IT Strate... Level Security Penetration Tester | $169,571 |
| IT Strate... Level Security Penetration Tester | $152,285 |
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 Security Penetration Testers. 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:
For Security Penetration Tester roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Security Penetration Tester positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Security Penetration Tester as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $109,710 | $53.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $109,710 | $53.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $109,710 | $53.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $109,710 | $53.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $109,710 | $53.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Security 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $109,812 | $9,151 | $2,112 | $53 |
| Average | $99,736 | $8,311 | $1,918 | $48 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,357 | $7,613 | $1,757 | $44 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Security Penetration Tester job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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