TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Penetration Tester Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$224,973/yr
Typical range: $191,158 – $235,055
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $103,366 | $8,614 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $127,688 | $10,641 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $143,902 | $11,992 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $166,602 | $13,884 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $224,973 | $18,748 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $282,129 | $23,511 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $296,418 | $24,702 | +187% |
Current Salary
$224,973
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $108/hr
Next Level Target
$282,129
Principal · 14
+$57Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
73/100
Above Average
+30% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Penetration Tester salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Penetration Testers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $225K 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 Chicago, IL?
Based on $225K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $108/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Penetration Tester in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Penetration Tester in Chicago, IL earns $191K–$235K/yr.