CompTIA PenTest+ Salary Guide: What Cybersecurity Pros Really Earn - Coursera

CompTIA PenTest+ Salary Guide: What Cybersecurity Pros Really Earn Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on May 21, 2026 Share Explore CompTIA PenTest+ salary details to uncover what you might anticipate earning as a cybersecurity professional. Key takeaways A CompTIA PenTest+ salary typically ranges in the six figures, but varies depending on the position, location, industry, and your experience level.  According to Glassdoor, penetration testers earn a total median salary of $154,000, with entry-level roles earning $115,000 [1]. Earning the CompTIA PenTest+ can help you gain entry to high-earning positions like penetration tester, security analyst, and cybersecurity engineer. You can increase your penetration tester salary or salary in a related cybersecurity role by targeting high-demand locations and industries, as well as high-paying positions.  Learn more about possible CompTIA PenTest+ salary details, including the earnings associated with various roles and factors that may impact what you can expect to make. If you want to begin building job-ready cybersecurity skills, including those in artificial intelligence (AI), consider enrolling in the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate. This beginner-friendly, nine-course series takes an average of six months to complete and can help you build a solid foundation in cybersecurity and learn to assess and mitigate vulnerabilities.  Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst professional certificate Beginner level · 6 month(s) Skills you'll build: Computer Security Incident Management, Threat Modeling, Azure Active Directory, Compliance Management, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Security, Data Storage Technologies, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Operating Systems, Authentications, Cryptography, Penetration Testing, Network Security, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Network Monitoring, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Security Strategy, Vulnerability Management, Active Directory, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT), Data Security, Business Continuity, Cloud Management, Security Management, Personally Identifiable Information, Cloud Computing, Cloud Standards, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Cyber Governance, Threat Detection, Business Continuity Planning, Governance Risk Management and Compliance, Data Management, Regulatory Compliance, Cloud Platforms, Network Protocols, General Networking, Firewall, TCP/IP, Cloud Services, Authorization (Computing), Network Infrastructure, Cloud Computing Architecture, Identity and Access Management, Cloud Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Architecture, Network Troubleshooting, Security Controls, Digital Transformation, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Incident Response, Endpoint Security, Endpoint Detection and Response, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Security Policies, Threat Management, Event Management, Malware Protection, Multi-Factor Authentication, Generative AI, AI Security, Computer Security, Data Governance, Cyber Risk, Encryption, Cryptographic Protocols, Cyber Security Strategy, Information Systems Security, Application Security, IT Security Architecture, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Zero Trust Network Access, Single Sign-On (SSO), User Accounts, User Provisioning, Enterprise Security, Vulnerability Scanning, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Command-Line Interface, Cyber Security Assessment, Test Tools, Security Software, Security Testing, System Testing, Vulnerability Assessments, Windows PowerShell, Email Security, Disaster Recovery, Computer Architecture, Computing Platforms, Productivity Software, IT Infrastructure, Data Loss Prevention, Data Maintenance, AI literacy, Generative Model Architectures, Internet Of Things, Secure Coding, Asset Management 4.7 (3,048 ratings) professional certificate Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Launch your career as a cybersecurity analyst. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from Microsoft. No prior experience required. 4.7 (3,048 ratings) 141,938 already enrolled Beginner level Learn More Average time: 6 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Computer Security Incident Management, Threat Modeling, Azure Active Directory, Compliance Management, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Security, Data Storage Technologies, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Operating Systems, Authentications, Cryptography, Penetration Testing, Network Security, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Network Monitoring, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Security Strategy, Vulnerability Management, Active Directory, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT), Data Security, Business Continuity, Cloud Management, Security Management, Personally Identifiable Information, Cloud Computing, Cloud Standards, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Cyber Governance, Threat Detection, Business Continuity Planning, Governance Risk Management and Compliance, Data Management, Regulatory Compliance, Cloud Platforms, Network Protocols, General Networking, Firewall, TCP/IP, Cloud Services, Authorization (Computing), Network Infrastructure, Cloud Computing Architecture, Identity and Access Management, Cloud Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Architecture, Network Troubleshooting, Security Controls, Digital Transformation, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Incident Response, Endpoint Security, Endpoint Detection and Response, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Security Policies, Threat Management, Event Management, Malware Protection, Multi-Factor Authentication, Generative AI, AI Security, Computer Security, Data Governance, Cyber Risk, Encryption, Cryptographic Protocols, Cyber Security Strategy, Information Systems Security, Application Security, IT Security Architecture, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Zero Trust Network Access, Single Sign-On (SSO), User Accounts, User Provisioning, Enterprise Security, Vulnerability Scanning, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Command-Line Interface, Cyber Security Assessment, Test Tools, Security Software, Security Testing, System Testing, Vulnerability Assessments, Windows PowerShell, Email Security, Disaster Recovery, Computer Architecture, Computing Platforms, Productivity Software, IT Infrastructure, Data Loss Prevention, Data Maintenance, AI literacy, Generative Model Architectures, Internet Of Things, Secure Coding, Asset Management CompTIA PenTest+ salary overview The CompTIA PenTest+ credential itself doesn’t determine your salary, but it does prepare you for high-paying jobs in cybersecurity. For example, penetration testers earn roughly $154,000 per year, according to Glassdoor [1]. The PenTest+ certification covers penetration testing and cybersecurity protocols. It can help you position yourself for other high-paying jobs, including security analyst, vulnerability assessor, security consultant, and cybersecurity engineer, the salaries of which often exceed six figures.  Additionally, as organizations continue to face the rising costs of cybersecurity breaches and invest in infrastructure to guard against them, the demand for cybersecurity professionals remains robust. Cybercrime costs an estimated $10.5 trillion worldwide in 2025, a figure predicted to soar to more than $12.2 trillion by 2031 [2]. Additionally, the cost of a data breach averaged $4.4 million in 2025, 9 percent lower than in 2024 [3]. Experts attribute this reduction to faster mitigation efforts in terms of both identification and containment. Earning the PenTest+ certification validates your expertise in proactive cybersecurity and your ability to safeguard your organization against cybercriminals, making you a valued professional.  Can PenTest+ get you a job?  Earning a certification like the PenTest+ can help increase your competitiveness in the job market by providing demonstrable proof of your expertise. It’s a well-respected industry credential that validates your job-ready skills in areas such as pen testing, vulnerability management, and testing system defenses.  CompTIA PenTest+ job opportunities and salary by job role A CompTIA PenTest+ certification can help you enter the information security field. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates information security jobs will grow at a faster-than-average rate of 29 percent between 2024 and 2034 [3].  The credential showcases your broad range of abilities, including planning, complying with regulations and ethics, preparing reports, performing both active and passive information gathering, using cybersecurity reconnaissance tools like Wireshark and Nmap, performing vulnerability scans and validating the results, executing attacks and exploiting vulnerabilities, and offering recommendations for ongoing protective strategies.  Given the scope of your skills, you may opt to pursue a career as a penetration tester (pen tester) or related roles in the field. Explore a few opportunities in more detail as you consider your potential career path. Penetration tester Median total salary: $154,000 [1] Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, or related area of study is common; experience and certification can provide an alternate path As a pen tester, you will execute penetration testing, from planning to execution to reporting. Common tasks include conducting attacks within legal and regulatory frameworks, analyzing results, and reporting findings to leadership and relevant stakeholders, along with recommendations to protect information, networks, and systems. You'll likely also spend time researching current and emerging hacking strategies and techniques to provide the most effective testing possible. Security analyst Median total salary: $125,000 [5] Requirements: A bachelor’s degree at a minimum is common; some employers prefer you have a master’s degree  In this position, you will likely look for weak points in the company's security measures, viewing networks and systems through the eyes of cybercriminals. As a security analyst, you may conduct tests, including simulated attacks. Other common tasks include performing risk assessments, implementing security measures, educating yourself on current and emerging threats, and developing strategies to mitigate damages in the event of a security breach. Vulnerability assessor Median total salary: $139,000 [6] Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or information security is common; entry with experience and certification is also possible Like penetration testers, vulnerability analysts also work to reduce cybersecurity risks by thinking like cybercriminals to protect their company's networks, software, and systems. Additionally, you might establish policies for vulnerability management, train others accordingly, and monitor networks and workstations for security breaches. Common skills you’ll need include penetration testing, vulnerability assessment and management, and programming languages such as Python and C++. Security consultant Median total salary: $130,000 [7] Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or cybersecurity is common; advanced roles may require a master’s; certification can provide additional credibility As a security consultant, you will focus on identifying security vulnerabilities in networks, programs, and systems. You'll develop solutions to safeguard systems from hackers, optimize security protections to ensure efficiency, build a security architecture, update security processes and procedures, and communicate findings to stakeholders.  Cybersecurity engineer Median total salary: $162,000 [8] Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in information security or computer science is common; certification can supplement a degree or provide an alternate pathway to entering the field In this role, you will create, implement, and maintain security solutions, including intrusion detection systems. In your work as a cybersecurity engineer, you will also detect vulnerabilities, ensure your company remains compliant with all security regulations and policies, and actively prevent cybersecurity breaches. Common skills include ethical hacking, penetration testing, and secure coding. 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Explore Kali Linux, Wireshark, Metasploit & OpenVAS for pen testing & vulnerability assessment. 4.6 (213 ratings) 19,302 already enrolled Intermediate level Learn More Average time: 2 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Incident Management, Cybersecurity, AI Security, Information Systems Security, Network Monitoring, Cyber Security Assessment, Network Security, Exploit development, Penetration Testing, Network Analysis, Vulnerability Assessments, Anomaly Detection, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Threat Detection, Vulnerability Management, Threat Management, Incident Response, Vulnerability Scanning, Bash (Scripting Language), Linux Administration, Data Persistence, Human Factors (Security), Vulnerability, Technical Writing, Risk Mitigation, Cyber Security Policies, Security Strategy, Emergency Response, Digital Forensics, System Configuration, Network Protocols, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Computer Security, Technical Communication, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Ethics, Cyber Governance, Risk Analysis Factors that influence CompTIA PenTest+ salary Some significant factors that can influence your salary and the demand for your skills include your experience level, location, and industry. You might also balance your salary requirements with job availability. For example, although areas like Phoenix, Arizona, may not make the list of top-paying cities, it does offer lower costs of living and a strong cybersecurity job market.  How experience impacts earning potential Work experience hones your skill set and can often offset any gaps in formal education. Although the impact varies depending on your role and the company you work for, you can generally anticipate your earning potential increasing as you gain professional experience. For example, a pen tester with up to one year of experience earns a median total salary of $115,000, while someone with seven to nine years makes $166,000, according to Glassdoor [4]. Likewise, an entry-level cybersecurity engineer earns $122,000, but those with seven to nine years have salaries of $157,000 [8].  How location impacts salary details Where you work is another factor that significantly influences your salary, particularly in non-executive-level roles. Large metropolitan areas often boast higher wages, but the cost of living in those areas may offset the increase in salary. That’s something to keep in mind as you consider your CompTIA PenTest+ salary potential. For a better idea of how location affects earning power, consider the five highest-paying cities for cybersecurity specialists, according to Zippia [9]:  Bellevue, Washington: $113,223 Washington, DC: $107,944 Eugene, Oregon: $104,059 Santa Clara, California: $103,048 New York, New York: $99,619 Strategies to increase CompTIA PenTest+ salary Stacking your profile with additional certifications could help further increase your earning potential and marketability. In general, certifications can boost income by up to 30 percent [10]. Pursuing high-paying cybersecurity credentials, such as Google Professional Cloud Architect, Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or CompTIA Security+, could help you earn more while also boosting your career prospects. Other strategies to consider include the following:  Look for a high-paying industry: For example, the median total salary for a penetration tester in information technology is $135,275, and $102,657 in government and public administration [4]. Follow demand: Cybersecurity professionals remain in high demand across all sectors, particularly in information technology and cloud computing, finance, health care, government, and defense.  Develop specialized skills: Specializing in in-demand cybersecurity areas may help increase your earning power. For example, an applications security engineer earns a median total salary of $182,000, while a malware analyst earns $127,000 [11, 12].  Which CompTIA makes the most money? If you’re interested in building a career that ultimately earns a high salary, you may want to invest in CompTIA certifications like Security X. This advanced-level credential helps advance your career, showing that you have the skills needed to take on managerial positions, and ultimately a job like chief information security officer (CISO), which has a median total salary of $323,000 [13].  Job market demand for PenTest+ certified professionals Getting an industry-standard credential that validates your cybersecurity skills, including your ability to conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, can make you a more marketable candidate. Furthermore, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals remains high, with an above-average job outlook.  Still, you may have better odds when looking at positions and openings in high-demand industries and locations. Explore these two additional factors to help make a well-informed decision regarding your career trajectory. Read more: Are Cybersecurity Jobs in Demand? High-demand industries As AI continues its widespread adoption across sectors, it also reshapes the cybersecurity landscape. Along with increased cybercrime and risk, demand for skilled professionals continues in several industries, including the defense industry and the US Army. Other high-demand industries include the following: Banking and financial services Governmental agencies and departments Health care Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Retail and e-commerce Business  Information technology Geographic hotspots for cybersecurity jobs Some regions and locations boast higher cybersecurity demand than others. Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the hotspots you might consider. A few others, many of which boast a strong academic presence and notable employers driving the demand, include:  Austin, Texas: Home to the University of Texas, which conducts advanced research and development in the field of cybersecurity, and significant employers like CrowdStrike and IBM, along with a rich start-up culture Raleigh, North Carolina: Home to the Research Triangle (a trio of universities: Duke, North Carolina State, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and a hub of innovation, Raleigh is also home to an increasing number of tech companies. Chicago, Illinois: Demand for cybersecurity professionals specializing in health care, finance, industrial operations, and logistics fuels job growth here, along with software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies and Fortune 500 companies that need skilled professionals. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Once known for its steel, Pittsburgh now has a reputation as a hub for robotics and as home to major employers like Deloitte, BNY Mellon, and Howmet Aerospace. Detroit, Michigan: This automotive hub also leads demand for automotive cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and AI-powered security, with growing demand for embedded security. The salary information above is the median total pay from Glassdoor as of April 2026. These figures include both base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other forms of compensation. Explore our free cybersecurity resources Keep up with emerging technologies and trends across all industries, and gain insights into professional pathways with a subscription to Career Chat, our weekly LinkedIn newsletter. Also, consider checking out our cybersecurity-focused resources to help develop your skills and knowledge base:  Watch on YouTube: How to Launch a Cybersecurity Career Without a College Degree Find your path: Cybersecurity Career Paths: Explore Roles & Specializations Hear from an insider: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career You can also advance along your career path by developing a new skill, getting comfortable with an in-demand technology, and continuing to grow with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses.  Build job-ready skills with Coursera Plus Start 7-day free trial Start 7-day free trial Article sources 1.  Glassdoor. “Penetration Tester Salaries, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/penetration-tester-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm/.” Accessed April 24, 2026. View all sources Keep reading 10 Cybersecurity Jobs to Know: Entry-Level and Beyond 9 min read · May 8, 2026 CompTIA A+ vs. Security+: What’s the Difference? April 30, 2026 CySA+ Salary Guide: Earnings, Roles, and Growth Potential April 29, 2026 How to Get Into Cybersecurity Without a Degree April 18, 2026 CompTIA PenTest+ Explained: Skills, Jobs, and How to Ace the Certification February 26, 2026 Creating a Penetration Testing Plan: What You Need to Know Before Starting January 31, 2026 Updated on May 21, 2026 Share Written by: Coursera Staff Editorial Team Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact... This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.