Ethical Hacking Salary vs Penetration Tester Salary: Know the Difference


At UniNets, we provide end-to-end training on cybersecurity, such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, F5 LTM course, networking protocols such as header of IPv4, and even BGP interview questions preparation. This guide will guide you through comparing the two professions and finding o

.

Ethical Hacking Salary and Penetration Tester Salary: What's the Difference
As threats in cyberspace continue to grow, the need for cybersecurity practitioners such as ethical hackers and penetration testers is on the rise. Though these two professions sound alike, they have different functions and have different burdens—and naturally, different salary potential. Whether you're just beginning a career in cybersecurity or want to specialize, learning about the ethical hacking salary vs penetration tester salary options is essential.

At UniNets, we provide end-to-end training on cybersecurity, such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, F5 LTM course, networking protocols such as header of IPv4, and even BGP interview questions preparation. This guide will guide you through comparing the two professions and finding out which way suits your career the best.

Who is an Ethical Hacker?
An ethical hacker salery is a security specialist who is legally permitted to hack into systems and networks to reveal weaknesses. Why? So that they can identify vulnerabilities before black-hat hackers have the chance to take advantage of them. Ethical hackers employ the same techniques and tools as black-hat hackers but within the law and by permission.

Principal duties include:

Scanning for vulnerabilities

Firing up firewalls, systems, and web apps

Suggesting security updates

Ensuring security compliance with regulations

Who is a Penetration Tester?
A penetration tester, sometimes referred to as a "pen tester," is more specialized. They perform structured attacks on systems in controlled environments. Consider penetration testing as an intense, detailed variant of ethical hacking, with great documentation and proof of concept emphasis.

Major responsibilities are:

Planning and performing penetration tests

Preparing thorough vulnerability reports

Imitating actual attack conditions

Working with IT teams to enhance defenses

Ethical Hacking Salary vs Penetration Tester Salary: What's the Pay?
In India:
Role Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) Senior-Level (6+ yrs)
Ethical Hacker ₹4 – ₹6 LPA ₹6 – ₹10 LPA ₹12 – ₹20 LPA
Penetration Tester ₹5 – ₹7 LPA ₹8 – ₹12 LPA ₹15 – ₹25 LPA

In the US:
Role Entry-Level Mid-Level Senior-Level
Ethical Hacker $70,000 – $90,000 $100,000 – $120,000 $130,000+
Penetration Tester $80,000 – $100,000 $110,000 – $130,000 $140,000+/p

Pen testers usually have higher pay due to the extensive technical knowledge, certifications, and reporting abilities needed. Nevertheless, ethical hacking salaries can rival or beat this figure with proper specialization and experience.

What Influences Salary in Cybersecurity?
There are a few factors affecting how much you can be paid as an ethical hacker or pen tester:

Certifications – Possessing CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), OSCP, CompTIA PenTest+, or CISSP can largely drive salary offers.

Experience – The more projects you have done in real-world situations, the more valuable you are.

Specialized Skills – Expertise in such things as web application security, malware examination, or F5 LTM load balancing makes you more valuable.

Location – Cybersecurity positions in large metros or overseas typically pay more.

How UniNets Can Help You Get There
At UniNets, we provide career-driven CEH and pen testing training programs that help you land a job as an ethical hacker or penetration tester. Our training centers on practical learning, real-world environments, and certification.

Why UniNets?
CEH and pen testing expert-led programs

Scenario-based live practical training
Practical training with live labs

Training in network protocols such as BGP, IPv4 header, and F5 LTM course

Career counseling and placement assistance

Whether you want to boost your salary as an ethical hacker or transition into a penetration tester, UniNets has the correct route for you.

Key Skills That Advance Your Cybersecurity Career

Aside from ethical hacking and pen testing, learning key networking subjects can make you stand out from the crowd. Here's how:

F5 LTM Course
Master advanced traffic management and web app delivery. F5 is used universally in business, and security engineers tend to set up its WAF (Web Application Firewall) for app-layer security.

BGP Interview Questions Preparation
BGP is the underpinning of the internet. Interviewers would like you to know how routing protocols can be attacked or safeguarded. BGP interview questions mastery positions you for jobs in network security and incident response.

Comprehending the Header of IPv4
Thorough comprehension of the header of IPv4 assists in packet analysis, forensic analysis, and firewall rule creation. These are essential skills for anyone in any position in cybersecurity.

Career Growth Options
Ethical hackers and pen testers frequently become the following:
Security Analyst
Red Team Specialist
Security Consultant
Cybersecurity Manager
Application Security Engineer

With increased experience in F5 LTM, routing protocols such as BGP, and network packet analysis at the network layer, your resume becomes more desirable to leading employers worldwide.

Last Words
Ethical hacking and penetration testing are both thrilling, high-growth cybersecurity career options. Although penetration testers tend to earn a bit more, ethical hackers have more flexibility and a wider job range.

At UniNets, we make you proficient in both. Ranging from learning the IPv4 header to BGP interview questions preparation to becoming a load balancer master through the F5 LTM course, our course is designed for today's security experts.

If you aspire for a higher ethical hacker income or wish to become a top pen tester, now is the time to act.

Join UniNets today and begin your path to a lucrative cybersecurity career.

Read more

Comments