The average salary for a Penetration Testing Engineer in the US is $151,240 per year.
Penetration Testing Engineers simulate cyberattacks to identify security weaknesses in networks, applications, cloud environments, and enterprise infrastructure. Unlike broader offensive security roles, penetration testing engineers often focus on structured assessments, reporting, and remediation guidance. In the US, this role is highly valued across cybersecurity firms, financial institutions, SaaS companies, healthcare organizations, and government contractors. Salaries vary based on exploit development skills, cloud security testing experience, certification level, and industry exposure. Professionals who discover high-impact vulnerabilities and conduct advanced assessments typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Penetration Testing Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $151,240 |
| Median Salary | $143,800 |
| Lowest Salary | $105,000 |
| Highest Salary | $230,000 |
Total compensation may include bonuses tied to project delivery and security impact.
Gender Pay Analysis in Penetration Testing Engineer
Gender pay differences for Penetration Testing Engineers in the US are influenced by technical depth, certification level, and enterprise exposure.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $154,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $147,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $151,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where pay reflects advanced exploitation expertise and red team leadership.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Penetration Testing Engineers in the US typically earn around $105,000–$125,000 per year. These professionals assist in structured security assessments, execute vulnerability scans, and support report preparation under senior guidance. Most at this level have 1–3 years of cybersecurity or ethical hacking experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Penetration Testing Engineers usually earn between $130,000 and $185,000 per year. At this stage, professionals independently conduct network and application penetration tests, validate exploit chains, and provide detailed remediation recommendations. This level commonly requires 3–7 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Penetration Testing Engineers earn $210,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $230,000 in large US enterprises. These professionals lead red team operations, mentor junior testers, and oversee complex adversary simulation projects. Compensation reflects responsibility for enterprise risk exposure and vulnerability research.
Certifications for Penetration Testing Engineer
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
- GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Network and web application penetration testing
- Exploit development fundamentals
- Cloud and container security testing
- Vulnerability validation and reporting
- Scripting and automation (Python, Bash)
- Social engineering assessment
Best-paying cities for Penetration Testing Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($151,240) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $178,000 | ▲ +18% |
| Washington, DC | $170,000 | ▲ +12% |
| New York, NY | $166,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $162,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $156,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $144,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $141,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $152,500 | ▲ +0% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying cybersecurity role isn’t just about technical skill — it’s also about applying consistently, at scale, and to the right opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and compensation negotiation instead of manual applications.
Apply to Jobs Across Multiple Platforms
RoboApply brings job listings from multiple platforms into one place. This includes penetration testing roles from major job boards and company career pages, helping you discover opportunities you might otherwise miss, including high-paying and remote positions.
This broad coverage increases your chances of finding roles that match both your experience level and salary expectations.
Save Time with Auto-Apply
Manually applying to penetration testing roles can be time-consuming and repetitive. RoboApply’s auto-apply feature allows users to apply to many relevant opportunities efficiently, helping maintain consistent application activity in competitive cybersecurity markets.
Improve Resume Relevance with AI Support
Different employers prioritize different penetration testing methodologies and toolsets. RoboApply helps tailor resumes to better match job descriptions, increasing interview callbacks and improving application success rates.
Prepare Better for Interviews
RoboApply supports interview preparation by helping candidates understand exploitation scenarios, technical challenge expectations, and red team case studies.
Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can track submitted applications and monitor employer responses to refine their job search strategy over time.
Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a competitive compensation range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate discovered vulnerabilities, improved security posture, and successful engagement outcomes. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, certification reimbursements, equity, and flexible work arrangements. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Penetration Testing Engineer Compensation
As organizations adopt proactive security testing and regulatory compliance requirements increase, demand for skilled penetration testing professionals remains strong. Engineers who combine advanced exploitation techniques with strategic reporting are expected to maintain steady earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $151,240 a good salary for a Penetration Testing Engineer?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level penetration testing roles depending on specialization and certifications.
Can Penetration Testing Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior professionals and red team leaders in large enterprises can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do penetration testing certifications increase salary?
Yes, certifications such as OSCP and GPEN significantly improve credibility and earning potential.
Are remote Penetration Testing roles common?
Yes, many penetration testing positions are remote or hybrid.
Which industries pay Penetration Testing Engineers the most?
Technology, financial services, healthcare, defense, and cybersecurity consulting firms typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Penetration Testing Engineer?
It typically requires 6–10 years of progressive offensive security experience.
Is Penetration Testing a stable career in the US?
Yes, increasing cyber threats ensure long-term demand for skilled testing professionals.
