Security / Penetration Tester jobs in Chicago, United States
A mid-level Security / Penetration Tester in Chicago earns a median of $180k a year ($180k gross). Chicago has about 2.7 million residents and is the 3rd largest of the 62 United States cities we list. PassRidge lists 1 open Security / Penetration Tester role based here.
Security / Penetration Tester roles near Chicago
No Security / Penetration Tester listing is based in Chicago today, so these are the nearest in United States, then the levels we place here. Placement pay starts at the higher of the city and national median.
Product Manager - Application Security & Risk Management - Tech Delivery
Staff Application Security Engineer
Senior Manager, Application Security
Application Security Engineer II
Junior Penetration Tester
Penetration Tester
Senior Penetration Tester
Lead Penetration Tester
"Talent pipeline" cards are the levels we place, not an employer's vacancy. Real postings are labelled "Market listing". How pay is set.
Security / Penetration Tester pay by level in Chicago
Gross annual pay in USD. Chicago is 1.00× the United States median (same), which is $180k at mid-level.
| Level | p10 | Median | p90 | Range | Median (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | $110k | $140k | $170k | $140k | |
| Mid-level | $150k | $180k | $220k | $180k | |
| Senior | $190k | $230k | $280k | $230k | |
| Lead | $230k | $280k | $340k | $280k |
Estimates from posted pay ranges, base pay only. Full Security / Penetration Tester salary page for Chicago.
What a Security / Penetration Tester does in Chicago
Attacks applications before someone else does, then helps fix what breaks.
- Run web, API and mobile penetration tests against agreed scope
- Triage scanner output and remove false positives
- Write findings with proof of exploit and a fix recommendation
- Add security checks to CI
- Retest fixes and track remediation
Skills and stack employers ask for
Tools named most often
Time zone
Chicago is on America/Chicago. A 09:00-17:00 day shares 7 h with US East, 2 h with London and 1 h with Central Europe.
Security / Penetration Tester jobs in other United States cities
Other QA roles in Chicago
QA jobs, time zone and hiring facts for Chicago · Security / Penetration Tester role guide · Hire a Security / Penetration Tester
Security / Penetration Tester jobs in Chicago: FAQ
How much does a Security / Penetration Tester earn in Chicago?
A mid-level Security / Penetration Tester in Chicago earns a median of $180k a year ($180k), with a p10 to p90 range of $150k to $220k. Junior pay starts near $140k, senior pay is $230k and leads reach $280k.
Are there Security / Penetration Tester jobs in Chicago?
Yes: 1 open Security / Penetration Tester role is based in Chicago right now, 0 of them remote, and 30 in United States. Tell us your city and we alert you when a local role opens.
How does Chicago pay compare with the rest of United States?
Chicago ranks 13th of 62 United States cities we track for Security / Penetration Tester pay, at 1.00x the national median (0%). The national mid-level median is $180k, so Chicago is at it.
What skills do Security / Penetration Tester jobs in Chicago ask for?
Attacks applications before someone else does, then helps fix what breaks. Typical requirements: OWASP Top 10, Burp Suite, Scripting, Threat modelling, Reporting. The tools named most often are Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Postman, Docker.
Can a Security / Penetration Tester work with US or European teams from Chicago?
Chicago is on America/Chicago. A 09:00-17:00 day shares about 7 h with US East, 2 h with London and 1 h with Central Europe. 70% of Security / Penetration Tester roles are remote-friendly.
How do I get a Security / Penetration Tester job in Chicago with PassRidge?
Tell us your level and stack in the form on this page. A recruiter sends matching roles with the pay shown upfront; it is free for candidates and nothing goes to an employer without your written OK. Our placement range for Chicago starts at the higher of the city and national median.