CDCareer Decision

Penetration Testers Salary in Columbus, OH

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Penetration Testers in Columbus, OH have a median annual salary of $129,940, with 2,410 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $60,150 at the 10th percentile to $162,930 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$129,940

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$62.47

Employment

2,410

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$60,150
10th
$98,630
25th
$129,940
Median
$134,560
75th
$162,930
90th

Local compared with national

Columbus, OH

$129,940

Median annual · 2025

United States

$116,580

Median annual · 2025

The Columbus, OH median is 11.5% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $13,360).

Top skills

  1. 1.Critical ThinkingImportance 4.4
  2. 2.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.0
  3. 3.WritingImportance 4.0
  4. 4.Active ListeningImportance 3.9
  5. 5.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9
  6. 6.ProgrammingImportance 3.9
  7. 7.Active LearningImportance 3.6
  8. 8.Systems EvaluationImportance 3.6
  9. 9.MonitoringImportance 3.5
  10. 10.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.5
  11. 11.Systems AnalysisImportance 3.5
  12. 12.SpeakingImportance 3.4

Career information

Education and experience

Experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Job zone
4

Technology used

  • Amazon Web Services AWS software
  • Ansible software
  • Apple iOS
  • Apple macOS
  • Bash
  • C
  • C#
  • C++
  • Database management systems
  • Docker
  • Firewall software
  • Ghidra
  • GitHub
  • Go
  • Google Android

Common tasks

  • Test the security of systems by attempting to gain access to networks, Web-based applications, or computers.
  • Document penetration test findings.
  • Identify security system weaknesses, using penetration tests.
  • Write audit reports to communicate technical and procedural findings and recommend solutions.
  • Gather cyber intelligence to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of hacking trends.
  • Keep up with new penetration testing tools and methods.
  • Identify new threat tactics, techniques, or procedures used by cyber threat actors.
  • Conduct network and security system audits, using established criteria.
  • Develop security penetration testing processes, such as wireless, data networks, and telecommunication security tests.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Penetration Testers salary in other locations