TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Penetration Tester Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$198,074/yr
Typical range: $168,302 – $206,951
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Penetration Tester salary by experience level in Dallas
Penetration Tester Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $91,007 | $7,584 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,421 | $9,368 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $126,696 | $10,558 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $146,682 | $12,224 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $198,074 | $16,506 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $248,396 | $20,700 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $260,976 | $21,748 | +187% |
Current Salary
$198,074
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $95/hr
Next Level Target
$248,396
Principal · 14
+$50Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
73/100
Above Average
+30% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Penetration Tester salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Penetration Testers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $198K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $198K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $95/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Penetration Tester in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Penetration Tester in Dallas, TX earns $168K–$207K/yr.