TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Penetration Tester Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$97,727/yr
Typical range: $92,940 – $114,283
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Penetration Tester salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Penetration Tester Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $97,727 | $8,144 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $120,721 | $10,060 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $136,051 | $11,338 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $157,513 | $13,126 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $212,700 | $17,725 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $266,737 | $22,228 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $280,246 | $23,354 | +187% |
Current Salary
$97,727
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $47/hr
Next Level Target
$120,721
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 Los Angeles, CA?
Entry Level Penetration Testers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $98K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $98K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $47/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Penetration Tester in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Penetration Tester in Los Angeles, CA earns $181K–$222K/yr.