I got an entry-level penetration tester job, but a lowball salary?!

[drebo]

You can't expect to make "regional average" with no experience and no real certifications.

That's the thing about an "average"...some people have to make less.

You could request a salary review at 6 months, but it honestly sounds like you're being paid precisely what you should be.

 

[Tinkeric]

You can't expect to make "regional average" with no experience and no real certifications.

That's the thing about an "average"...some people have to make less.

You could request a salary review at 6 months, but it honestly sounds like you're being paid precisely what you should be.

If I'm making about what I should be for an entry-level penetration tester, then that's good news to me! I was just regretting screwing up the negotiation and potentially losing out on ~$10k this year.

Thanks.

 

[Tweak155]

This is where glassdoor.com comes in handy.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

I know its a real gig but the child in me just wants to do this when I read "penetration testing"

 

[cabri]

Without real experience under your belt, you have no real leverage.

After a year, then you can look around if you are no longer happy.

In that year, you can also make additional contacts

 

[z1ggy]

Hmmmm, a lurker who is now getting paid to be penetrated and is asking our advice to an obvious situation.... hmmm....

I'm calling shens.

 

[SunnyD]

Getting paid to be penetrated is considered to be prostitution...and illegal in most places.

It's in the DC area. Completely legal, and totally expected.

 

[bteeter]

If you think you got lowballed and it's your own fault, your best bet is to do a kick ass job and after year when you do your annual review and/or raise negotiation you can try to work that rate up.

This. Put in a year. Kick lots of ass.

You're in the DC area which is packed with IT jobs. Get a good raise after a year or move on for a 25% bump. It is not hard to do.

I pretty much move jobs every year or two because that's how it works. Stay for a 3% raise or leave for a 20% raise. I've been doing that for 15 years now and make 5x what I made out of school.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Yeah...stick with it. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. With the hiring lag companies have, be glad you have a job that pays and take your time migrating to something else once you get established.

You may even be able to network and make some contacts within the company as other positions come available and make some lateral moves that turn higher salary.

 

[ultimatebob]

I have been working my ass off for years and have received no "cost of living" raise (or any raise), or even a "Nice work" emial/notion

And why are you still working there again? Sounds like you are a glutton for punishment.

 

[inachu]

If you have done penetration testing as a hobby white hat then you can get hired by the US govt without any problem. It will be just their IT sec guys will laugh at you when you walk through the door.

 

[BUTCH1]

So you get paid to test out firm's web pages for weakness's in scripts and Java and such?, sounds interesting, enjoy..

 

[Platypus]

OP: utkanos at gmail dot com

happy to help / provide advice if I can.

I do mostly mobile and certain web frameworks (my wheelhouse) but I've worked on everything.

 

[Newell Steamer]

I'll be making $56k,..

D:

 

[blackdogdeek]

Keep in mind there was probably some other candidate who was/is willing to work for 56k.

 

[purbeast0]

so you gave a range, and they gave you a salary in your range, and now you are crying because you didn't get more money?

 

[Printer Bandit]

What will be your title on your business card?

 

[Exterous]

OP: utkanos at gmail dot com

Finally! A new place to sent dong pictures to...

 

[Platypus]

Finally! A new place to sent dong pictures to...

tease

Unread Message (0)

 

[Hugo Drax]

If you think you got lowballed and it's your own fault, your best bet is to do a kick ass job and after year when you do your annual review and/or raise negotiation you can try to work that rate up.

I heard that in the US in order to get a raise other than the annual 1.8% is to switch jobs to a different company.

 

[SKORPI0]

Are you on the giving or receiving end?

It's better to give than receive. :biggrin:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penetration_test
So You Wanna Be A Pen Tester?

 

[zCypher]

I'm in a similar boat, applying to a new position, fully expecting to be lowballed. The thing is, unless you have something to leverage, you have to accept! Just kick major ass and put yourself in a position to get the role/pay you're after. There is a range for a reason. People with a higher skill level make more. You don't start at the top. If after you're experienced and skilled to be worth more, they still won't compensate you accordingly then no worries, someone will. Unless you aren't.

 

[Mide]

I heard that in the US in order to get a raise other than the annual 1.8% is to switch jobs to a different company.

I've noticed this to be fairly accurate.

 

[Away]

Getting paid to be penetrated is considered to be prostitution...and illegal in most places.

Not in DC, everyone gets screwed. :awe:

 

[alkemyst]

I heard that in the US in order to get a raise other than the annual 1.8% is to switch jobs to a different company.

Not true. A company will retain a VALUABLE employee, but you are limited to about 10% tops and that is probably over a 3 year period (you may get 7% one year, but the next two they will cap you).

Promotions can gain you up to 20% usually at the top. A special valued employee may get 30% (advanced certifications, degree, special clearance).

Outside of that you have to leave to get the money you want.

Sort of like how your auto insurance usually won't go down ever even though that vehicle is worth less each year unless you shop around.