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Ethical Hacker Salary: Complete Overview

Created by Pankaj Sharma in Articles 2 Dec 2024
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The field of ethical hacking is rapidly growing in India, with strong career prospects and impressive earning potential. Experienced ethical hackers can earn between ₹10 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs annually, with top professionals making over ₹40 lakhs annually.

Big Companies like Apple and Microsoft are actively hiring skilled ethical hackers to protect their systems. Looking ahead, the demand for ethical hackers is expected to increase significantly over the next decade, with projections indicating that salaries could rise by 20-30% as cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated.

This article will provide detailed insights into ethical hacker salaries based on experience, specific cities in India, and foreign countries like the US, Australia, and Germany helping readers understand the financial opportunities available in this exciting career path.

Additionally, you can also check out our cloud computing courses to learn more about information security, penetration testing, or ethical hacking.

Ethical Hacker Salary in India

The average salary for ethical hackers in India is around ₹22.9 lakhs, with top performers earning as much as ₹64.1 lakhs per year.

Currently, entry-level ethical hackers can expect to earn between ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month.

Mid-level professionals typically earn between ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 monthly, while senior ethical hackers can command salaries ranging from ₹1,00,000 to over ₹3,00,000 per month.


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Ethical Hacker Salary in India - Experience Wise

The table below shows the average ethical hacker's salary based on their experience in the field of ethical hacking.


Experience LevelAverage Salary (LPA)Average Monthly Salary (INR)
Fresher (0-2 years)₹4.5 LPA – ₹5.5 LPA₹37,500 – ₹45,833
Mid-level (3-5 years)₹6 LPA – ₹8 LPA₹50,000 – ₹66,667
Senior-level (5-10 years)₹8 LPA – ₹12 LPA₹66,667 – ₹1,00,000
Highly Experienced (10+ years)₹14 LPA +₹1,16,667 +

Ethical Hacker Salary in India - Role Wise

The below table shows the average salary of ethical hackers depending on their job roles.

Designation Average Salary (LPA) Average Monthly Salary (INR)
Junior Ethical Hacker ₹3 LPA – ₹5 LPA ₹25,000 – ₹41,667
Senior Ethical Hacker ₹6 LPA – ₹10 LPA ₹50,000 – ₹83,333
Penetration Tester ₹5 LPA – ₹12 LPA ₹41,667 – ₹1,00,000
Security Engineer ₹5.5 LPA – ₹10 LPA ₹45,833 – ₹83,333
Vulnerability Analyst ₹4 LPA – ₹8 LPA ₹33,333 – ₹66,667
Security Consultant ₹8 LPA – ₹12 LPA ₹66,667 – ₹1,00,000
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) ₹15 LPA + ₹1,25,000 +

Ethical Hacker Salary in India - City Wise

The below table shows the average ethical salary of ethical hackers in different Indian cities.


City Average Salary (LPA) Average Monthly Salary (INR)
Bangalore ₹6 LPA – ₹11 LPA ₹50,000 – ₹91,667
Mumbai ₹5 LPA – ₹12 LPA ₹41,667 – ₹1,00,000
Delhi NCR ₹5 LPA – ₹9 LPA ₹41,667 – ₹75,000
Hyderabad ₹7 LPA – ₹10 LPA ₹58,333 – ₹83,333
Pune ₹5 LPA – ₹10 LPA ₹41,667 – ₹83,333
Chennai ₹5 LPA – ₹9 LPA ₹41,667 – ₹75,000
Gurgaon ₹3.4 LPA – ₹6.5 LPA ₹28,333 – ₹54,167
Kochi ₹5.8 LPA ₹48,333

Ethical Hacker Salary in Different Companies

The table below shows the highest-paying companies for ethical hackers. We have provided their average salaries in India and the US.


Company Location Average Salary (INR) Average Salary (USD)
Google India ₹12 LPA – ₹20 LPA $100,000 – $140,000
Microsoft India ₹10 LPA – ₹18 LPA $95,000 – $130,000
Apple India ₹10 LPA – ₹15 LPA $90,000 – $120,000
TCS India ₹6 LPA – ₹12 LPA N/A
IBM India ₹8 LPA – ₹15 LPA N/A
Accenture India ₹7 LPA – ₹14 LPA N/A
Infosys India ₹5 LPA – ₹10 LPA N/A
Amazon India ₹10 LPA – ₹16 LPA N/A
Cisco US N/A $120,000 – $160,000
Facebook US N/A $130,000 – $160,000

Ethical Hacker Salary in Different Countries

The table below shows ethical hackers' earnings in different countries


Country Average Salary (Local Currency) Average Salary (USD) Cost of Living Index
United States $111,541 $111,541 70.0
Canada C$73,000 $54,000 61.0
Germany €60,000 $64,000 66.0
Australia AU$101,000 $65,000 70.0
Dubai (UAE) AED 200,000 $54,000 68.0
Singapore S$67,000 $49,000 80.0
United Kingdom £50,000 $68,000 75.0

What Affects the Earnings of Ethical Hackers?

The salary of ethical hackers varies based on several factors, including experience, location, and the company they work for. Generally, well-known companies tend to pay higher salaries. By gaining more experience and continuing to train, ethical hackers can significantly increase their earning potential.

In the article above we provided a complete overview of ethical hacker salaries based on these different factors. This information will help you understand how to maximize your earnings as an ethical hacker.

How to Maximize Your Earnings as an Ethical Hacker?

To maximize your earnings as an ethical hacker, consider the following strategies:

1. Gain Experience: Accumulate practical experience through internships, projects, and real-world testing to enhance your skills and value.

2. Earn Certifications: Obtain recognized certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) to boost your credibility and salary potential.

3. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas like penetration testing, cloud security, or malware analysis, as these skills are in high demand and can command higher salaries.

4. Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Continuously learn about the latest cybersecurity threats, tools, and techniques to remain competitive in the field.

5. Network Professionally: Build connections within the industry by attending conferences and joining online forums to discover job opportunities and gain insights.

6. Consider Freelancing or Consulting: Explore freelance or consulting opportunities for additional income, as many companies seek ethical hackers for specific projects.

7. Work in Major Tech Hubs: If possible, relocate to cities with a high demand for cybersecurity professionals, such as Bangalore, Mumbai, or Silicon Valley, where salaries tend to be higher.

Best Certification Courses for High Salary as an Ethical Hacker

UniNets offers multiple cybersecurity certification training courses and classes that you can enroll in to perfect your skills and earn more as an ethical hacker.

Here is a list of certification training courses:

1. CISSP Certification Training Course

2. CEH Course: Certified Ethical Hacking

Conclusion

In conclusion, the salary of ethical hackers reflects the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals across the globe. In countries like the United States, ethical hackers can earn between $90,000 and $140,000 annually, with top-tier professionals making upwards of $160,000.

In India, salaries range from INR 3 lakhs to over INR 25 lakhs per year, depending on experience and skills. Factors such as certifications, specialized skills, and geographic location significantly influence earning potential.

As businesses increasingly prioritize digital security, ethical hackers are presented with lucrative opportunities to advance their careers while earning competitive salaries. With the right training and experience, ethical hacking emerges as a promising and financially rewarding career path for tech enthusiasts worldwide.

How Do I Get a Job in Cyber Security?»
Pankaj Sharma

Pankaj Sharma is a senior network security engineer. He is working since past 14 years in IT networking field and have excellent experience in training industry also. His working experience in top companies in India makes him most valuable professional in IT industry. Pankaj Sharma has done CCNA security, Palo Alto and Checkpoint ...

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FAQ

Ethical hackers in the US earn an average salary of around $101,000 annually, with top professionals making up to $156,780. In India, salaries range from ₹3 lakhs to over ₹25 lakhs per year depending on experience and skills
Yes, ethical hacking is a promising career due to high demand for cybersecurity experts. It offers lucrative salaries, opportunities for growth, and the chance to work in various industries, making it an attractive option for tech enthusiasts.
The highest salaries in ethical hacking can reach up to $156,780 per year in the US. Senior roles or specialized positions in major tech companies often command these top salaries due to their critical importance in cybersecurity
Yes, ethical hackers operate legally as they are authorized to test and secure systems against cyber threats. They work with organizations to identify vulnerabilities and protect sensitive information from malicious attacks.
Joining RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) as a hacker is possible if you meet their recruitment criteria. Candidates typically need strong technical skills, relevant experience, and may require security clearances for sensitive positions.
White hat hackers, or ethical hackers, earn varying salaries based on experience and location. In the US, they can make around $101,000 on average, while in India, salaries range from ₹3 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs annually

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