TechnologyGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Penetration Tester Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$214,220/yr
Typical range: $182,021 – $223,819
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Penetration Tester salary by experience level in Sydney
Penetration Tester Salary Progression in Sydney
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 | $98,425 | $8,202 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $121,584 | $10,132 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $137,023 | $11,419 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $158,638 | $13,220 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $214,220 | $17,852 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $268,643 | $22,387 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $282,249 | $23,521 | +187% |
Current Salary
$214,220
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $103/hr
Next Level Target
$268,643
Principal · 14
+$54Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
73/100
Above Average
+30% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Penetration Tester salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Penetration Testers in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $214K 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 Sydney, Australia?
Based on $214K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $103/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Penetration Tester in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Penetration Tester in Sydney, Australia earns $182K–$224K/yr.