What is the hourly rate of a Penetration Tester?
|
Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
| 75th Percentile |
$108,435 |
$9,036 |
$2,085 |
$52 |
| Average |
$97,006 |
$8,084 |
$1,865 |
$47 |
| 25th Percentile |
$85,354 |
$7,113 |
$1,641 |
$41 |
Use our Salary Calculator to explore typical earnings for a Penetration Tester, including an hourly rate of $47, weekly pay of $1,865, monthly pay of $8,084, and an annual salary of $97,006.
Based on Salary IQ data from real job postings, this tool helps you convert a salary between its hourly, weekly, biweekly, monthly, and annually.
What is the pay difference between an Entry Penetration Tester and an Expert Penetration Tester?
Experience and job level are key drivers of a Penetration Tester's salary.
Entry Penetration Testers earn around $93,180, while Intermediate Penetration Testers make $93,528.
Senior Penetration Testers see salaries rise to $97,859, and Expert Penetration Testers can earn up to $102,976.
These numbers show a clear trend: as experience grows, so does earning potential. This reflects the IT industry's strong value placed on experience level.
| Levels |
Salary |
|
Entry Level Penetration Tester
|
$93,180
|
|
Intermediate Level Penetration Tester
|
$93,528
|
|
Senior Level Penetration Tester
|
$97,859
|
|
Specialist Level Penetration Tester
|
$102,635
|
|
Expert Level Penetration Tester
|
$102,976
|
$93,180
0 yr
$93,528
< 2 yrs
$97,859
2-4 yrs
$102,635
5-8 yrs
$102,976
> 8 yrs
|
Entry Level
|
4%
|
|
Mid Level
|
4%
|
|
Senior Level
|
1%
|
|
Top Level
|
6%
|
|
Experienced
|
6%
|
View as graph
View as table
What state pays the most for Penetration Testers?
From August 01, 2026, District of Columbia offers the highest Penetration Tester
salaries in the United States,
ranging from $101,128 to $128,474 followed by California
at $100,745 - $127,986. While these states provide top pay for Penetration Tester,
high living costs impact earnings. Rhode Island and Hawaii offer competitive salaries with lower expenses,
making them attractive options for the role.
| Rank |
State |
Average Salary |
|
1
|
District of Columbia
|
$114,933
|
|
2
|
California
|
$114,497
|
|
3
|
Massachusetts
|
$112,971
|
|
4
|
Washington
|
$112,556
|
|
5
|
New Jersey
|
$112,514
|
|
6
|
Alaska
|
$112,369
|
|
7
|
Connecticut
|
$110,936
|
|
8
|
New York
|
$110,355
|
|
9
|
Hawaii
|
$108,497
|
|
10
|
Rhode Island
|
$107,625
|
What is the salary trend for Penetration Tester?
As we look ahead to 2025, the salary trend for Penetration Testers in the US is expected to show a significant upward trajectory. The average salary is projected to reach around $120,000, reflecting a salary increase percentage of approximately 10% from 2023. The median rate for this role will likely align closely with the average, indicating strong demand for cybersecurity professionals. As organizations prioritize security, Penetration Testers will continue to command competitive salaries, making this a lucrative career choice.
Which skills can increase the salary of a Penetration Tester?
For a Penetration Tester, key skills that can significantly increase salary include Scripting and Programming (25% increase, average salary $25,951), Web Application Security (20% increase, average salary $20,761), and Cloud Security (22% increase, average salary $22,837). These skills enhance a tester's ability to identify vulnerabilities and implement effective security measures, directly impacting their value in the job market. The median salary for these skills reflects their demand, with higher percentages indicating a strong correlation between skill proficiency and salary increase potential. Investing in these skills can lead to substantial financial rewards.
Average Penetration Tester Salary by Company Size
Company size significantly impacts the salary of a Penetration Tester. In small firms (1-50 employees), salaries range from $70,000 to $90,000, with a median of $80,000. Medium-sized companies (51-500 employees) offer $80,000 to $110,000, with a median of $95,000. Large enterprises (500+ employees) typically pay between $100,000 and $130,000, with a median of $115,000.
Top companies for Penetration Testers include Google, with a salary range of $100,000 to $180,000 and a median salary of $140,000; Amazon, offering $90,000 to $160,000 with a median of $125,000; and Microsoft, where salaries range from $95,000 to $170,000, averaging $130,000. These firms pay higher due to their critical need for robust cybersecurity, attracting top talent in a competitive market.
Does education make a difference in salary for a Penetration Tester?
Education plays a crucial role in determining Penetration Tester salaries. Typically, higher education levels, such as a bachelor's or master's degree in cybersecurity or computer science, lead to better job prospects and higher pay. Certifications like CEH or OSCP also enhance earning potential. Investing in education can significantly boost a Pen Tester’s salary.
