▼34%
$105,561
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$70k
MEDIAN
$106k
90%
$152k
The average salary for a Penetration Tester is $105,561 in 2025
Base Salary
$70k - $152k
Bonus
$2k - $15k
Profit Sharing
$7k - $16k
Total Pay
$70k - $164k
Is Average Mid-Career Penetration Tester with Security Testing and Auditing Skills Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Penetration Testers?
What Do Penetration Testers Do?
Penetration Tester Tasks
- Conduct IT/Cyber Security assessments / penetration tests (hands-on work), as an individual, self-managed tester, or in small project teams.
- Work with customers to determine their need for security assessments, present and explain the employed methodology, and support them with feedback and verification during mitigation.
- Document findings for management and technical staff and recommend mitigating actions.
- Follow industry best practice methodologies for penetration testing, and be able to use tools for a basis level assessment.
- Search for security vulnerabilities in web applications, fat/thin client applications, and standard applications, and assess the secure configuration of operating systems and network devices.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Penetration Tester
Medical
94%
Dental
97%
Vision
89%
None
3%
Gender Breakdown for Penetration Testers
Male
100.0%
This data is based on 26 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Penetration Testers
What is the highest pay for Penetration Testers?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Penetration Tester is $152k / year
What is the lowest pay for Penetration Testers?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Penetration Tester is $70k / year
How can Penetration Testers increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Penetration Tester is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Penetration Tester that oversees more junior Penetration Testers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.