Introduction

The realm of cybersecurity is both fascinating and challenging, offering professionals a variety of career paths and specialized roles to choose from. If you're contemplating acquiring a CompTIA Pentest+ certification and showing expertise in penetration testing, one of your main concerns might be the CompTIA Pentest+ salary. This comprehensive guide delves into what you can expect to earn in this role, the benefits of getting certified, and how it can advance your career in cybersecurity.

Throughout this article, we'll explore various facets of the Pentest+ certification, including salary insights that differ based on location and experience, career opportunities that follow the certification, and the industry recognition you'll receive. Whether you're an entry-level professional or an experienced veteran in the field, this guide aims to provide valuable information that can help you make an informed decision about your career trajectory.

We offer PenTest+ certification training courses as well as PenTest+ labs.

CompTIA Pentest+ Salary Insights

When it comes to evaluating the CompTIA Pentest+ salary, several variables come into play. Salary ranges can differ dramatically depending on location, experience level, and the specific industry in which you work. Let’s look at some averages:

By Location

• United States: In the U.S., the average pentester salary ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 per year. High-demand areas like Silicon Valley, New York, and Washington, D.C., often offer salaries that exceed the national average.
• United Kingdom: In the U.K., penetration testers can expect to earn an average salary of around £50,000 to £90,000 per year, with London offering the highest pay rates.
• Australia: The average penetration testing salary in Australia hovers around AUD$80,000 to AUD$150,000 annually

By Experience

• Entry-Level: If you're just starting your career in penetration testing, the entry-level pentester salary tends to be lower, ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 per year in the U.S.
• Mid-Level: With a few years of experience under your belt, you can expect to earn between $80,000 and $110,000 per year.
• Senior-Level: Experienced penetration testers with specialized skills can command salaries upwards of $120,000 per year or even higher.

By Industry

• Finance and Banking: Due to the high stakes involved, this sector typically offers higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 per year.
• Healthcare: In healthcare, where patient data security is crucial, the average salary usually ranges between $90,000 and $110,000 annually.
• Technology Companies: Tech firms, especially those focused on software and internet services, tend to offer competitive salaries, averaging between $100,000 to $130,000 per year.

Career Opportunities After Getting Pentest Certification

Upon obtaining your CompTIA Pentest+ certification, a wide array of career paths becomes available to you. The certification not only validates your skills in penetration testing but also opens doors to several specializations within the cybersecurity realm. Below, we explore some of the career opportunities that can follow the Pentest+ certification.

Penetration Tester

As a Penetration Tester, your primary responsibility will be to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or applications. You'll use a set of ethical hacking tools and methodologies to simulate cyber-attacks, aiming to discover weak points that malicious hackers could exploit. With a CompTIA Pentest+ certification, you can be well-prepared for this role, and as discussed earlier, the pentester salary can be quite rewarding.

Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hackers are often considered the “good guys” in cybersecurity. They use their skills to find and fix security vulnerabilities in systems before malicious hackers can exploit them. The skills you acquire through the Pentest+ certification align closely with this role. Ethical Hackers are highly sought after in industries like healthcare, finance, and government, each offering a different scale of salary and benefits.

Security Consultant

As a Security Consultant, you'll offer expert advice to organizations about how to best protect their digital assets. Your tasks might range from developing security policies to recommending specific technologies for threat mitigation. A CompTIA Pentest+ certification shows that you have a deep understanding of penetration testing techniques, which can be a significant asset when consulting on security issues.

Industry Recognition

The CompTIA Pentest+ certification is not just a piece of paper; it's a testament to your skills and expertise in penetration testing and cybersecurity. With this certification, you earn industry recognition that can significantly elevate your career prospects. Let's delve into the kinds of organizations where you might find exciting job opportunities after getting certified.

Corporate Sector

Major corporations value the skill set that comes with a CompTIA Pentest+ certification. Companies in finance, healthcare, and technology are often on the lookout for qualified professionals to bolster their cybersecurity defenses.

Government Organizations

Public sector jobs offer stability and often come with excellent benefits. Many governmental bodies require a certain level of cybersecurity expertise for their roles, making your Pentest+ certification a strong asset.

Cybersecurity Firms

Specialized cybersecurity firms offer an environment where you can focus solely on your area of expertise. These companies often pay competitive salaries and offer numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

MSPs offer IT services to multiple clients, providing a diverse work environment. With a CompTIA Pentest+ certification, you're well-positioned to consult on or conduct penetration tests for a wide range of industries.

Freelance Opportunities

For those who value flexibility, freelance penetration testing can be an excellent option. The certification provides the credibility you need to attract high-paying clients.

How to Get Pentest+ Certified

Becoming certified in CompTIA Pentest+ is a straightforward but rigorous process that validates your skills in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the certification path.

1. Prerequisites: Before attempting the Pentest+ exam, it's advisable to have a foundational understanding of cybersecurity and networking concepts. A minimum of 2-3 years of work experience in the Information Security field is recommended.
2. Study Material: Utilize the various resources available, including textbooks, online courses, and CompTIA's own Pentest+ study guide. For hands-on practice, consider labs and simulation exercises that mimic real-world scenarios.
3. Exam Registration: Register for the Pentest+ exam on the CompTIA website. Keep an eye out for exam codes and locations. The CompTIA pentest+ exam cost can range from $350 to $400, depending on your location.
4. Take the Exam: The exam consists of multiple-choice and performance-based questions that assess your ability to conduct penetration testing tasks. A passing score is required to earn the certification.
5. Certification and Beyond: Upon passing the exam, you'll receive your CompTIA Pentest+ certification. This not only validates your skills but also adds considerable weight to your resume, enhancing your job prospects in the cybersecurity field.

Continuing Education

The field of cybersecurity is dynamic and ever-changing, with new threats and technologies emerging regularly. To stay current and competitive, it's vital to consider continuing education after obtaining your CompTIA Pentest+ certification. Below are some certifications to consider for further skill enhancement and career progression.

• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): The CEH certification focuses on ethical hacking tools and techniques, offering more in-depth and specialized training in ethical hacking compared to Pentest+.
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional): CISSP is an advanced-level certification suitable for seasoned cybersecurity professionals. It covers a broader range of topics compared to Pentest+, making it ideal for those aspiring to leadership roles in cybersecurity.
• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): If you're looking to specialize in penetration testing, OSCP is a challenging and hands-on certification that requires you to hack into a controlled environment to pass.
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty: For those interested in cloud security, this AWS certification is an excellent choice. It covers the core principles of securing AWS environments.
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager): CISM is geared toward management-level professionals who are responsible for managing an organization's information security program.
• Cybersecurity Specialty Certifications: Other specialty certifications, like Cisco's CCNA Cyber Ops or Microsoft’s Certified: Azure Security Engineer, can be valuable based on your specific career goals and the technologies you wish to specialize in.

FAQ’s

Should I Get Pentest+ or CYSA+

The choice between CompTIA's Pentest+ and CYSA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) largely depends on your career goals. Pentest+ focuses on offensive skills like penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, whereas CYSA+ leans more towards defensive capabilities such as incident response and threat detection. If you're more inclined towards identifying and exploiting system vulnerabilities, Pentest+ is a better fit. For those interested in safeguarding systems and networks, CYSA+ is more appropriate.

Can I be a Pen Tester with no Experience?

While it's technically possible to become a Pen Tester with no prior experience, it's generally not advisable. Penetration testing requires a solid understanding of network protocols, coding, and cybersecurity principles. A CompTIA Pentest+ certification can provide a good starting point, but most employers look for candidates with at least a few years of experience in the cybersecurity field. It may be beneficial to start in a more general role to gain experience before specializing.

How much do entry level Pentester make in the USA.

In the United States, entry-level Pentesters can expect to earn between $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the location and industry. Cities with a high cost of living, like San Francisco or New York, generally offer higher salaries. Also, industries like finance and healthcare usually pay more due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle. Certifications like CompTIA Pentest+ can also add value to your resume and potentially increase your earning potential.

How long does Pentest+ Certification last?

The CompTIA Pentest+ certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam. To maintain the certification, you have two options: either retake the exam before it expires or earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by participating in qualified activities like attending workshops, publishing articles, or obtaining other relevant certifications. CompTIA requires 60 CEUs for Pentest+ recertification.