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.
$253,821/yr
Typical range: $215,670 – $265,196
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 | $116,621 | $9,718 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $144,061 | $12,005 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $162,354 | $13,530 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $187,965 | $15,664 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $253,821 | $21,152 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $318,306 | $26,526 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $334,427 | $27,869 | +187% |
Current Salary
$253,821
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $122/hr
Next Level Target
$318,306
Principal · 14
+$64Kpotential 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 $254K 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 $254K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $122/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 $216K–$265K/yr.