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Penetration Testers Salary in San Jose, CA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Penetration Testers in San Jose, CA have a median annual salary of $184,430, with 16,680 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $98,340 at the 10th percentile to $290,240 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

$184,430

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$88.67

Employment

16,680

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$98,340
10th
$136,120
25th
$184,430
Median
$220,080
75th
$290,240
90th

Local compared with national

San Jose, CA

$184,430

Median annual · 2025

United States

$116,580

Median annual · 2025

The San Jose, CA median is 58.2% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $67,850).

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 San Jose, CA