Technology
Penetration Testers
Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.
Median salary (BLS)
$116,580
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$56k – $188k
Job outlook
+8% (faster than average)
AI exposure
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 9 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.
Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $109,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Plan a path to Penetration Testers
Education
Typical entry: Bachelor's degree
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Penetration Testers Intern
Internship
$36,000
~4 mos to advance
Junior Penetration Testers
Entry / Junior
$55,940
~2 yrs to advance
Penetration Testers
Established
$116,580
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Penetration Testers
Senior
$152,525
Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.
Key skills
A typical day
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Technology
Explore all- Massachusetts Institute of Technology4% admit · $124,000 grad pay
- Stanford University4% admit · $122,000 grad pay
- Carnegie Mellon University11% admit · $109,000 grad pay
- University of California, Berkeley11% admit · $97,000 grad pay
- Georgia Institute of Technology16% admit · $99,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.