TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Penetration Tester Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$96,445/yr
Typical range: $91,721 – $112,784
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Penetration Tester salary by experience level in Chicago
Penetration Tester Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $96,445 | $8,037 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $119,138 | $9,928 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $134,267 | $11,189 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $155,447 | $12,954 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $209,910 | $17,493 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $263,238 | $21,937 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $276,570 | $23,048 | +187% |
Current Salary
$96,445
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $46/hr
Next Level Target
$119,138
Junior · 2
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
73/100
Above Average
+30% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Penetration Tester salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Penetration Testers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $96K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Penetration Tester make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $96K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $46/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Penetration Tester in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Penetration Tester in Chicago, IL earns $178K–$219K/yr.