TechnologyUpdated Q1 2025

Penetration Tester Salary
in Denver, CO

Conduct authorized cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks. Median salary in Denver: $118K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$118K
per year
Take-home: $78K

Salary range in Denver

Entry level (25th)$88,000
Median (50th)$118,000
Senior (75th)$152,000
Top earner (90th)$195,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Denver, Colorado.

Key facts for Denver

Median salary
$118K
annual
Take-home pay
$78K
after fed/state tax
COL index
118
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.55%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,800
per month
YoY growth
+8.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Denver 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.

Salary trend & forecast — Denver

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Penetration Tester salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$99K$108K$117K$125K$134K201920212023202520272029
2026
$121K
projected
2027
$124K
projected
2028
$127K
projected
2029
$130K
projected
2030
$134K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$118,000+$0
2028 projected$118,000+$0
2029 projected$118,000+$0
2030 projected$118,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Penetration Tester Salary in Denver, Colorado: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Penetration Tester salary in Denver, CO is $118,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Denver–CO 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 Denver

Entry-level Penetration Testers in Denver 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 Denver for Penetration Testers

Denver has a cost of living index of 118 compared to the US national average of 100. Denver's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Colorado has a 4.55% 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 Denver-based professionals.

Penetration Tester salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Denver (current)$118K118
Colorado Springs102
Aurora112
Fort Collins112
Lakewood115
Thornton108