IT Support Specialist 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 Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorised attacks on systems to find and report vulnerabilities.
Penetration Tester earns more on average — the national median is $67,320/year (109%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Support Specialist vs Penetration Tester — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | Penetration Tester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $193,496 | IT $100,688 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $140,470 | IT $67,553 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $188,841 | IT $101,874 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $145,769 | IT $76,525 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $135,251 | IT $70,374 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $171,501 | IT $92,286 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £102,480 | IT $54,482 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$166,911 | IT $82,715 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or Penetration Tester earn more?+
A Penetration Tester earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Penetration Tester — a difference of $67,320 (109%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or Penetration Tester?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while Penetration Tester demand is growing at 30% YoY. Penetration Tester has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist 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 Support Specialist or Penetration Tester?+
Penetration Tester has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.