TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Penetration Tester Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$280,843/yr
Typical range: $238,630 – $293,429
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $129,036 | $10,753 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $159,398 | $13,283 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $179,639 | $14,970 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $207,976 | $17,331 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $280,843 | $23,404 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $352,193 | $29,349 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $370,030 | $30,836 | +187% |
Current Salary
$280,843
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $135/hr
Next Level Target
$352,193
Principal · 14
+$71Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
73/100
Above Average
+30% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Penetration Tester salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Penetration Testers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $281K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $281K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $135/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Penetration Tester in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Penetration Tester in Los Angeles, CA earns $239K–$293K/yr.