Vulnerability Assessor Salary Guide
A Vulnerability Assessor identifies, validates, and prioritizes security weaknesses in systems, applications, and networks. They run automated scans and manual tests, verify findings, score risk, and provide remediation guidance to reduce attack surface.
What is the average Vulnerability Assessor salary?
Entry Level
$60,000 - $85,000
Mid Level
$90,000 - $130,000
Senior Level
$130,000 - $200,000+
How does Vulnerability Assessor salary grow with experience?
Vulnerability Assessor salary by location
What factors affect a Vulnerability Assessor's salary?
- Technical skills and tools: proficiency with scanners (Nessus, Qualys), SAST/DAST, exploit verification, and scripting
- Certifications and education: OSCP, CISSP, CEH, GIAC certs, and relevant degrees
- Industry and employer type: finance, cloud providers, and defense contractors typically pay more
- Geography and cost of living: major tech hubs and roles requiring on-site presence pay premiums
- Security clearance and regulated environments: active clearances increase pay for government/defense work
Frequently Asked Questions About Vulnerability Assessor Salaries
What is the average salary for a Vulnerability Assessor?
Average pay varies by experience: entry-level typically earns $60K–$85K, mid-level $90K–$130K, and senior roles $130K–$200K per year in the U.S.
Which skills increase a Vulnerability Assessor's salary most?
High-impact skills include network and application vulnerability scanning, exploit verification, scripting (Python), cloud security, and certifications like OSCP, CISSP, or CEH.
How does location affect Vulnerability Assessor pay?
Location significantly changes pay: tech hubs (e.g., San Francisco, NYC, Seattle) pay premium salaries, while smaller markets and remote roles typically offer lower base pay but may include other benefits.
Can Vulnerability Assessors earn more with security clearance?
Yes — active security clearance (e.g., TS/SCI) can materially boost compensation, especially for government contractors and defense companies.
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