Penetration Testing Career Path
Explore penetration testing, certification choices and salary estimates. Map your next career step with MyCyberPath.
Career path questions
What certifications do Pen Testers need?
Start with Security+ and PenTest+, then progress to CEH, OSCP (the gold standard), GPEN for enterprise credibility, then OSEP and OSCE3 for elite-level recognition.
How much do Pen Testers make?
Entry-level pen testers earn $80K–$100K. Mid-career with OSCP: $130K–$145K. Senior red teamers and principal consultants earn $175K–$350K+. Top independent consultants charge $300–$500/hour.
Is OSCP worth it?
Yes. OSCP is the gold standard for offensive security. It's a brutal 24-hour hands-on exam that proves you can actually hack systems. Most hiring managers consider it THE cert that matters.
Explore cybersecurity career paths
Take the career assessment