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.
$346,267/yr
Typical range: $294,220 – $361,784
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 | $159,096 | $13,258 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $196,530 | $16,378 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $221,486 | $18,457 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $256,425 | $21,369 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $346,267 | $28,856 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $434,237 | $36,186 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $456,230 | $38,019 | +187% |
Current Salary
$346,267
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $166/hr
Next Level Target
$434,237
Principal · 14
+$88Kpotential 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 $346K 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 $346K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $166/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 $294K–$362K/yr.