How Much Do Vulnerability Engineer Make?
How much do vulnerability engineer make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for vulnerability engineer in the engineering category. Learn about vulnerability engineer pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $85,000 to $120,000.
How Much Do Vulnerability Engineer Make? Complete Salary Guide
How much do vulnerability engineer make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. Vulnerability Engineer in the Engineering field can expect to earn an average salary of $130,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $85,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $120,000 annually.
When breaking down the average salary of vulnerability engineer by time periods, vulnerability engineer typically make around $10,833.333 per month and approximately $2,500 per week. The basic salary of vulnerability engineer varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level vulnerability engineer typically start with a base salary of $85,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $120,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $120,000.
The salary landscape for vulnerability engineer is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do vulnerability engineer make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $2,500 per week. How much do vulnerability engineer make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $80,000 to $150,000, with the median salary sitting at $130,000. Additionally, many vulnerability engineer receive bonuses averaging $15,000 annually, representing approximately 10.25% of their base salary.
How Much Do Vulnerability Engineer Get Paid Per Annum? Vulnerability Engineer Salary
Annual salary data for vulnerability engineer across different experience levels, showing entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professional compensation ranges based on industry standards.
Entry Level Annual Salary
Mid-Career Annual Salary
Experienced Annual Salary
How Much Do Vulnerability Engineer Get Paid in a Month? Vulnerability Engineer Monthly Salary
Monthly salary breakdowns for vulnerability engineer at different career stages, providing practical budgeting insights and compensation expectations for financial planning.
Entry Level Monthly Salary
Mid-Career Monthly Salary
Experienced Monthly Salary
How Much Do Vulnerability Engineer Get Paid in Different Locations?
Geographic salary variations for vulnerability engineer across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.
Vulnerability Engineer Salary Trends
Historical salary progression for vulnerability engineer over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.
Vulnerability Engineer Salary Trends (2020 - 2025)
Bonus & Compensation Package
Additional compensation beyond base salary, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime opportunities that contribute to total annual earnings.
Bonus Percentage
of annual salary
Bonuses for Vulnerability Engineers are typically awarded based on performance metrics, project success, and contributions to security improvements and risk reduction.
Average Bonus
annually
Commission
Vulnerability Engineers generally receive salaries without commission; however, some companies may offer bonuses or incentives based on performance, project completion, or team achievements.
Overtime
Overtime pay for Vulnerability Engineers is common, especially during critical projects or security incidents, as demand for their expertise often exceeds standard working hours.
Employee Benefits Package
Comprehensive benefits and perks provided to employees, including health coverage, retirement plans, time off policies, and professional development opportunities.
Comprehensive Benefits
Typical benefits for a Vulnerability Engineer include health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off (PTO), flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and performance bonuses.
Vulnerability Engineer Job Overview
Comprehensive details about the vulnerability engineer role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.
About This Role
A Vulnerability Engineer identifies, assesses, and mitigates security weaknesses in software and systems. They conduct penetration testing, analyze threat landscapes, and implement security measures to protect sensitive data. Their role is crucial in safeguarding organizations from cyber threats, ensuring compliance with regulations, and enhancing overall cybersecurity posture.
Primary Responsibilities
Identifying vulnerabilities in systems and applications, conducting security assessments and penetration testing, analyzing security threats and risks, developing and implementing remediation strategies, collaborating with development teams to improve security practices, monitoring security alerts and incidents, maintaining vulnerability management tools, documenting findings and reporting on vulnerabilities, staying updated on the latest security trends and threats.
Day-to-Day Tasks
A Vulnerability Engineer conducts regular security assessments, analyzes system vulnerabilities, collaborates with development teams to remediate issues, monitors threat intelligence, and documents findings to enhance organizational cybersecurity posture.
Work Environment
Hybrid
Vulnerability Engineers typically work in tech-focused environments, collaborating remotely or onsite, analyzing security risks, and implementing protective measures.
Physical Demands
Moderate
Vulnerability Engineers typically work in an office environment, requiring extended computer use, analytical skills, attention to detail, and occasional collaboration with teams in high-pressure situations.
Vulnerability Engineer Requirements & Prerequisites
Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a vulnerability engineer, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.
Education
Bachelor’s degree.
Field: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Network Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Information Systems.
Experience
5 years
Employers seek candidates with strong knowledge of security protocols, vulnerability assessment tools, threat modeling, coding skills, and experience in penetration testing, along with problem-solving abilities and teamwork.
Certifications
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate, AWS Certified Security – Specialty.
Required Skills
Penetration testing, threat modeling, secure coding practices, vulnerability assessment tools, risk analysis, incident response, knowledge of security frameworks, programming languages.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Vulnerability Engineer Career Path
Professional progression opportunities for vulnerability engineer from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.
Entry Level
Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Systems Administrator
Early-career Vulnerability Engineers identify, assess, and remediate security vulnerabilities in software and systems, collaborating with teams to enhance overall cybersecurity posture and protect sensitive data.
Mid-Career
Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Security Consultant
Mid-career Vulnerability Engineers identify, assess, and mitigate security risks, conduct penetration testing, collaborate on remediation strategies, and enhance overall cybersecurity posture through continuous monitoring and reporting.
Senior Management
Vulnerability Management Lead, Security Architect, Senior Vulnerability Analyst
Senior Vulnerability Engineers manage risk assessments, develop security strategies, lead remediation efforts, mentor teams, and ensure compliance with regulations to protect organizational assets from threats.
Career Progression Timeline
Timeline: 5 years
A Vulnerability Engineer typically starts as a junior analyst, advancing to senior roles and eventually leading security teams or specializing in threat intelligence and risk management. Continuous learning and certifications enhance career progression.
Vulnerability Engineer Industry & Growth
Market outlook and growth prospects for vulnerability engineer, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.
Job Outlook
Faster than average
Projected: 2024–2034
Industry Trends
Increased demand for cybersecurity professionals due to rising cyber threats, growing emphasis on compliance and regulatory requirements in data protection, integration of AI and machine learning in vulnerability assessment tools.
Growth Factors
Rising cyber threats, increased regulatory compliance, growing reliance on technology, demand for secure software development, and heightened awareness of data privacy drive Vulnerability Engineer demand.
Future Opportunities
AI security, cloud-native applications, IoT devices, blockchain security, quantum computing resilience, and zero-trust architecture are emerging niches creating new opportunities for Vulnerability Engineers.
Vulnerability Engineer Related Professions
Alternative career paths and similar roles for vulnerability engineer, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.
Similar Roles
Career Alternatives
Upgrade Paths
Related Entry Roles
Vulnerability Engineer Skills & Development
Essential skills and professional development resources for vulnerability engineer, including technical abilities, soft skills, recommended courses, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills Needed
Recommended Certifications
Recommended Courses
Development Resources
Training Timeline
Estimated training time
Frequently Asked Questions About Vulnerability Engineer Salary
Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a vulnerability engineer, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.
What qualifications are needed to become a Vulnerability Engineer?
A degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field, along with relevant certifications such as CEH or CISSP.
What is the average salary of a Vulnerability Engineer?
The average salary ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
What skills are essential for a Vulnerability Engineer?
Key skills include knowledge of security protocols, vulnerability assessment tools, and strong analytical abilities.
Is prior experience necessary to become a Vulnerability Engineer?
While entry-level positions may be available, prior experience in IT security or related fields is often preferred.
What career growth opportunities exist for Vulnerability Engineers?
With experience, one can advance to roles like Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
How Much Others Make?
Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.