TechnologyGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Penetration Tester Salary in London
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$201,326/yr
Typical range: $171,065 – $210,348
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Penetration Tester salary by experience level in London
Penetration Tester Salary Progression in London
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 | $92,501 | $7,708 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $114,266 | $9,522 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $128,776 | $10,731 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $149,090 | $12,424 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $201,326 | $16,777 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $252,474 | $21,040 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $265,260 | $22,105 | +187% |
Current Salary
$201,326
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $97/hr
Next Level Target
$252,474
Principal · 14
+$51Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
73/100
Above Average
+30% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Penetration Tester salary in London, UK?
Staff / Lead Penetration Testers in London, UK earn approximately $201K 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 London, UK?
Based on $201K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $97/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Penetration Tester in London, UK?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Penetration Tester in London, UK earns $171K–$210K/yr.