penetration testing developer demand

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How many developer roles ask for penetration testing, how that demand is trending, and what those roles pay — tracked from live job postings.

What do roles requiring penetration testing pay in 2026?

As of July 2026, the typical advertised salary is US$188,844 a year, with most postings between US$154,700 and US$223,725.

That's about 42% more than the typical US software developer earns (US$133,080), per Bureau of Labor Statistics figures from May 2024.

25th percentileUS$154,700
Median (50th percentile)US$188,844
75th percentileUS$223,725

Advertised base salary, from 94 job postings with pay data, as of July 2026.

How strong is hiring demand for penetration testing in 2026?

Tarmac tracked 134 postings in July 2026.

MonthPostingsMedian salary
August 20252US$188,844
September 20251US$188,844
October 20252US$188,844
November 20254US$188,844
December 20252US$188,844
January 20266US$188,844
February 20268US$188,844
March 202615US$188,844
April 202622US$188,844
May 202656US$188,844
June 2026124US$188,844
July 2026134US$188,844

Jobs data powered by Adzuna.

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