Penetration Tester Salary in 2026
Ethically hack computer systems and networks to find security vulnerabilities before malicious hackers do.
Median Salary
$105,000
$8,750/mo
Entry Level
$68,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$155,000
experienced
Job Growth
+32%
10-yr outlook
Penetration Tester Overview
Ethically hack computer systems and networks to find security vulnerabilities before malicious hackers do.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
42K
5-Year Growth
+22%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$50.48/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,750
Penetration Tester Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Penetration Tester salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Penetration Tester Salary
$125,000
$10,417/month · $4,808/biweekly · $60.10/hr
Penetration Tester Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Penetration Tester field.
Entry-level Penetration Testers earn around $68,000, while the top 10% earn $171,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Penetration Testers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $124,000 | +$19,000 |
| New York | $121,000 | +$16,000 |
| Maryland | $113,000 | +$8,000 |
| Virginia | $111,000 | +$6,000 |
| Texas | $103,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Penetration Testers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $131,000 | +$26,000 |
| New York | $124,000 | +$19,000 |
| Washington DC | $121,000 | +$16,000 |
| Baltimore | $109,000 | +$4,000 |
| Dallas | $105,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Penetration Tester Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Penetration Tester from entry level to expert.
$68,000
0-2 years
$112,000
3-7 years
$155,000
8-14 years
$188,000
15+ years
Related Technology Jobs
Penetration Tester Salary FAQ
How much does a Penetration Tester make in 2026?
The median salary for a Penetration Tester in the United States is $105,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $68,000, while senior professionals earn up to $155,000. Top earners in the field can make $188,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Penetration Tester?
A Penetration Tester typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Kali Linux, Burp Suite, Metasploit. Relevant certifications such as OSCP or CEH can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Penetration Testers?
The job market for Penetration Testers is projected to grow by 32% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 42K Penetration Tester positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 22%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Penetration Testers the most?
The highest-paying states for Penetration Testers include Virginia, California, Maryland. In Virginia, the median salary is approximately $111,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Penetration Tester salary?
To increase your Penetration Tester salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Kali Linux and Burp Suite. Pursue certifications such as OSCP. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Washington DC. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $68,000 to $155,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Penetration Tester Salary
How we calculate Penetration Tester salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $105,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Penetration Tester in the Technology sector.
- Entry-level ($68,000) and senior-level ($155,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +32% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 42K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 22% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Technology sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $105,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Penetration Tester compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Penetration Tester job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Technology
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Penetration Tester salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Kali Linux, Burp Suite, Metasploit), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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