CDCareer Decision

Penetration Testers Salary in Raleigh, NC

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Penetration Testers in Raleigh, NC have a median annual salary of $110,030, with 3,620 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $40,920 at the 10th percentile to $193,540 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

$110,030

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$52.90

Employment

3,620

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$40,920
10th
$72,440
25th
$110,030
Median
$164,150
75th
$193,540
90th

Local compared with national

Raleigh, NC

$110,030

Median annual · 2025

United States

$116,580

Median annual · 2025

The Raleigh, NC median is 5.6% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $6,550).

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

Other occupations in Raleigh, NC