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.
$226,841/yr
Typical range: $192,745 – $237,007
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 | $104,224 | $8,685 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $128,748 | $10,729 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $145,097 | $12,091 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $167,985 | $13,999 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $226,841 | $18,903 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $284,471 | $23,706 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $298,878 | $24,907 | +187% |
Current Salary
$226,841
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $109/hr
Next Level Target
$284,471
Principal · 14
+$58Kpotential 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 $227K 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 $227K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $109/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 $193K–$237K/yr.