TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Penetration Tester Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$285,109/yr
Typical range: $242,254 – $297,885
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Penetration Tester salary by experience level in Boston
Penetration Tester Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $130,996 | $10,916 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $161,818 | $13,485 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $182,367 | $15,197 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $211,135 | $17,595 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $285,109 | $23,759 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $357,542 | $29,795 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $375,650 | $31,304 | +187% |
Current Salary
$285,109
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $137/hr
Next Level Target
$357,542
Principal · 14
+$72Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
73/100
Above Average
+30% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Penetration Tester salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Penetration Testers in Boston, MA earn approximately $285K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $285K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $137/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Penetration Tester in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Penetration Tester in Boston, MA earns $242K–$298K/yr.