TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Penetration Tester Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$215,738/yr
Typical range: $183,311 – $225,406
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Penetration Tester salary by experience level in Austin
Penetration Tester Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $99,123 | $8,260 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $122,446 | $10,204 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $137,995 | $11,500 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $159,763 | $13,314 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $215,738 | $17,978 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $270,547 | $22,546 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $284,250 | $23,688 | +187% |
Current Salary
$215,738
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $104/hr
Next Level Target
$270,547
Principal · 14
+$55Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
73/100
Above Average
+30% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Penetration Tester salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Penetration Testers in Austin, TX earn approximately $216K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Penetration Tester make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $216K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $104/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Penetration Tester in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Penetration Tester in Austin, TX earns $183K–$225K/yr.