Content has loaded

Penetration tester salary in United States (Updated 2026)

How much does a Penetration Tester make in the United States?

Average base salary

$122,132
Average $122,132
Low $78,518
High $189,974

The average salary for a penetration tester is $122,132 per year in the United States. 252 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated June 9, 2026).

Penetration Tester job openings in United States

slide 1 of 6
slide1 of 6
Intermediate Penetration Teste...
Cyber Defense Technologies5out of 5 stars.
Denver, CO
$102,000 - $138,000 a year
1 day ago

Highest paying companies for Penetration Tester in United States

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
MERCOR
 
$507,000per year
View company
Akraya Inc.
 
$232,700per year
View company
Intelliswift Software
 
$204,235per year
View company
Wood Consulting Services
 
$186,667per year
View company
CONCERAS
 
$182,500per year
View company
Target
 
$179,500per year
View company

Highest paying cities for Penetration Testers near United States

  1. New York, NY
    $132,375 per year
  2. McLean, VA
    $130,975 per year
  3. Chantilly, VA
    $128,632 per year
  4. Colorado Springs, CO
    $128,046 per year
  5. Denver, CO
    $122,554 per year

Where can a Penetration Tester earn more?

Compare salaries for Penetration Testers in different locations
vs

How much do similar professions as Penetration Tester get paid in United States?

Senior Penetration Tester

Job openings
Average $140,611 per year