IT Manager vs Penetration Tester: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
IT Manager
Oversee IT department operations, staff, and technology strategy.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorised attacks on systems to find and report vulnerabilities.
IT Manager earns more on average — the national median is $45,960/year (36%) higher than a Penetration Tester. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Manager vs Penetration Tester — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Manager | Penetration Tester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $260,907 | $193,496 | IT +$67,411 |
| New York, NY | $206,737 | $140,470 | IT +$66,267 |
| Seattle, WA | $253,469 | $188,841 | IT +$64,628 |
| Austin, TX | $194,345 | $145,769 | IT +$48,576 |
| Chicago, IL | $186,335 | $135,251 | IT +$51,084 |
| Boston, MA | $234,529 | $171,501 | IT +$63,028 |
| London, UK | £138,371 | £102,480 | IT +$35,891 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$227,074 | CA$166,911 | IT +$60,163 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Manager or Penetration Tester earn more?+
A IT Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Manager is $175,140/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Penetration Tester — a difference of $45,960 (36%).
Which has better career growth — IT Manager or Penetration Tester?+
IT Manager roles are growing at 10% YoY while Penetration Tester demand is growing at 30% YoY. Penetration Tester has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Manager to Penetration Tester?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — IT Manager or Penetration Tester?+
Penetration Tester has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.