Penetration Tester Salary
in Columbia, SC
Conduct authorized cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks. Median salary in Columbia: $118K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Salary range in Columbia
Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Columbia, South Carolina.
Key facts for Columbia
Salary forecast: Columbia Penetration Tester to 2030
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $118K by 2030.
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Penetration Tester Salary in Columbia, South Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)
The median Penetration Tester salary in Columbia, SC is $118,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Columbia–SC metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.
Salary range for Penetration Tester in Columbia
Entry-level Penetration Testers in Columbia with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $88,000 and $118,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $118,000 to $152,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $152,000 to $195,000 or more.
Cost of living in Columbia for Penetration Testers
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 12% further in Columbia than the national average. South Carolina has a 6.5% state income tax rate.
Education requirements for Penetration Tester
Bachelor's in CS; CEH, OSCP certifications. This role is 60% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Columbia-based professionals.