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Specialist QA1 million residentsUpdated 2026-10-20

Security / Penetration Tester jobs in San Jose, United States

Mid-level Security / Penetration Testers in San Jose earn about $220k gross a year ($220k), with most offers between $180k and $260k. San Jose has about 1 million residents and is the 12th largest of the 62 United States cities we list. PassRidge lists 1 open Security / Penetration Tester role based here.

$220kmedian · mid-level · gross / year · $220k
p10 $180kp90 $260k
City factor 1.20×Rank 2 of 62
1Open Security / Penetration Tester roles in San Jose
30Open in United States
$170k–$340kJunior to lead median / yr
5 hDaily overlap with US East
Openings

Security / Penetration Tester roles near San Jose

No Security / Penetration Tester listing is based in San Jose 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.

All Security / Penetration Tester jobs in United States

"Talent pipeline" cards are the levels we place, not an employer's vacancy. Real postings are labelled "Market listing". How pay is set.

Pay by level

Security / Penetration Tester pay by level in San Jose

Gross annual pay in USD. San Jose is 1.20× the United States median (+20%), which is $180k at mid-level.

Levelp10Medianp90RangeMedian (USD)
Junior$140k$170k$200k$170k
Mid-level$180k$220k$260k$220k
Senior$230k$280k$340k$280k
Lead$280k$340k$410k$340k

Estimates from posted pay ranges, base pay only. Full Security / Penetration Tester salary page for San Jose.

The role

What a Security / Penetration Tester does in San Jose

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

OWASP Top 10Burp SuiteScriptingThreat modellingReporting

Tools named most often

Burp SuiteOWASP ZAPPostmanDocker

Time zone

San Jose is on America/Los Angeles. A 09:00-17:00 day shares 5 h with US East, 0 h with London and 0 h with Central Europe.

FAQ

Security / Penetration Tester jobs in San Jose: FAQ

How much does a Security / Penetration Tester earn in San Jose?

A mid-level Security / Penetration Tester in San Jose earns a median of $220k a year ($220k), with a p10 to p90 range of $180k to $260k. Junior pay starts near $170k, senior pay is $280k and leads reach $340k.

Are there Security / Penetration Tester jobs in San Jose?

Yes: 1 open Security / Penetration Tester role is based in San Jose right now, 1 of them remote, and 30 in United States. Tell us your city and we alert you when a local role opens.

How does San Jose pay compare with the rest of United States?

San Jose ranks 2nd of 62 United States cities we track for Security / Penetration Tester pay, at 1.20x the national median (+20%). The national mid-level median is $180k, so San Jose is above it. Against the US it is 22% above the US median of $180k.

What skills do Security / Penetration Tester jobs in San Jose 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 San Jose?

San Jose is on America/Los Angeles. A 09:00-17:00 day shares about 5 h with US East, 0 h with London and 0 h with Central Europe. 70% of Security / Penetration Tester roles are remote-friendly.

How do I get a Security / Penetration Tester job in San Jose 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 San Jose starts at the higher of the city and national median.

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