TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Penetration Tester Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$279,485/yr
Typical range: $237,476 – $292,009
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Penetration Tester salary by experience level in Seattle
Penetration Tester Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $128,412 | $10,701 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $158,626 | $13,219 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $178,769 | $14,897 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $206,970 | $17,248 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $279,485 | $23,290 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $350,489 | $29,207 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $368,240 | $30,687 | +187% |
Current Salary
$279,485
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $134/hr
Next Level Target
$350,489
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Penetration Testers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $279K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $279K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $134/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Penetration Tester in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Penetration Tester in Seattle, WA earns $237K–$292K/yr.