TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Penetration Tester Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$286,374/yr
Typical range: $243,330 – $299,207
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Penetration Tester salary by experience level in San Francisco
Penetration Tester Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $131,577 | $10,965 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $162,537 | $13,545 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $183,176 | $15,265 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $212,072 | $17,673 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $286,374 | $23,865 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $359,129 | $29,927 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $377,317 | $31,443 | +187% |
Current Salary
$286,374
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $138/hr
Next Level Target
$359,129
Principal · 14
+$73Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
73/100
Above Average
+30% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Penetration Tester salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Penetration Testers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $286K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $286K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $138/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Penetration Tester in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Penetration Tester in San Francisco, CA earns $243K–$299K/yr.