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.

$191,987/yr

Typical range: $163,130 $200,591

P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Penetration Tester Salary Progression in London

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$88,210$7,351
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$108,966$9,081+24%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$122,803$10,234+39%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$142,174$11,848+61%
StaffThis page10 yrs10 yrs$191,987$15,999+118%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$240,762$20,064+173%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$252,956$21,080+187%
Current Salary
$191,987
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $92/hr
Next Level Target
$240,762
Principal · 14
+$49Kpotential 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 $192K 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 $192K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $92/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 $163K–$201K/yr.