Penetration Tester Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$122,400 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Penetration Tester Jobs in Philadelphia

Looking for a Penetration Tester job in Philadelphia? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Penetration Tester in Philadelphia, PA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Philadelphia has a strong job market for Penetration Testers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Penetration Tester Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$78,030
Median
$122,400
Senior Level
$175,950

Penetration Tester salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Ethical HackingVulnerability AssessmentKali LinuxNetwork SecurityReport Writing

Penetration Tester Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Penetration Tester professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Healthcare and Education sectors create robust demand for Penetration Tester talent. The market for Penetration Tester positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Penetration Testers in Philadelphia

ComcastSAPBentley SystemsSEI InvestmentsGuru

Major employers hiring Penetration Testers in Philadelphia include Comcast, SAP, Bentley Systems, SEI Investments, and Guru. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Penetration Testers in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Penetration Tester means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. At median Penetration Tester salary, housing is quite affordable at 19% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Penetration Tester in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes.

Best neighborhoods for Penetration Testers in Philadelphia: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Penetration Tester professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Penetration Testers

The job outlook for Penetration Testers in Philadelphia is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability Assessment, Kali Linux, Network Security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Penetration Tester salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Penetration Tester salary in Philadelphia, PA is $122,400 per year. Entry-level Penetration Testers typically start around $78,030, while experienced professionals can earn $175,950 or more. The national average for Penetration Tester roles is $120,000.

How many Penetration Tester jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Penetration Tester professionals. Major employers hiring Penetration Testers include Comcast, SAP, Bentley Systems, SEI Investments. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Penetration Testers?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for Penetration Testers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for technology & software professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Penetration Testers in Philadelphia?

Top skills for Penetration Testers in Philadelphia include Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability Assessment, Kali Linux, Network Security, Report Writing. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Penetration Testers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Penetration Testers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey.

More Technology & Software Jobs in Philadelphia

Advertisement

Get Hired Faster

Create an AI-optimized resume tailored for Penetration Tester jobs in Philadelphia.

Get Started Free