How Much Do Penetration Testers Earn in Kolkata, India in 2025?
Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand careers in India today, and penetration testers play a key role in identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening security systems. As companies invest heavily in data protection, the demand for skilled penetration testers is rising, along with competitive salaries across the country. As a growing tech hub, Kolkata offers promising salary prospects for this career.
If you are considering a career in cybersecurity, you may wonder: What is the monthly salary of a penetration tester in Kolkata? And how does it compare to the penetration tester salary in India? In this blog, we will answer these questions by providing detailed insights into the penetration tester salary in Kolkata per month, how it compares to the penetration tester salary in India, and what freshers can expect when starting out. We will also cover the junior penetration tester salary in Kolkata, the penetration testing average salary, and the Security Tester salary in India to give you a complete picture of the earning potential in this field.
Average Salary of Penetration Testers in Kolkata 2025
The penetration tester salary in Kolkata per month is attractive, making it a promising career choice for cybersecurity professionals. On average, penetration testers in Kolkata earn between ₹33,000 to ₹83,000 per month, which amounts to an annual salary of ₹4 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs. The penetration testing average salary is around ₹6 lakhs per year, with more experienced testers earning significantly higher packages.
Here is a simple breakdown of the penetration tester salary in Kolkata based on experience:
- Freshers: The penetration tester salary in Kolkata for freshers ranges from ₹26,000 to ₹62,500 per month, which is approximately ₹3.2 lakhs to ₹7.5 lakhs per year.
- 1 year of experience: Professionals with 1 year of experience can expect a monthly salary between ₹37,500 to ₹50,000, totaling ₹4.5 lakhs to ₹6 lakhs per year.
- 2 years of experience: Testers with 2 years of experience earn around ₹33,000 to ₹62,500 per month, equating to an annual pay of ₹4 lakhs to ₹7.5 lakhs.
- 3 years of experience: With 3 years of experience, the salary ranges from ₹31,500 to ₹65,800 per month, adding up to ₹3.8 lakhs to ₹7.9 lakhs annually.
- 4 years of experience: Professionals with 4 years of experience earn between ₹26,500 to ₹62,500 per month, amounting to ₹3.2 lakhs to ₹7.5 lakhs per year.
The junior penetration tester salary in Kolkata typically falls on the lower end of the pay scale, averaging around ₹3.5 lakhs to ₹6 lakhs per year, depending on the company and skill set.
The Security Tester salary in India continues to grow as demand for cybersecurity professionals increases. In larger cities like Kolkata, testers with specialized skills and certifications can command higher salaries, especially in senior or leadership roles.
Penetration Tester Salary in Kolkata vs Other Cities
Kolkata is emerging as a promising city for penetration testers in India. With a growing IT sector and an increasing focus on cybersecurity, the penetration tester salary in Kolkata per month is becoming more competitive. The city offers attractive pay scales, especially for freshers and junior-level professionals, making it an appealing destination for those entering the field.
Below is a quick comparison of penetration tester salaries in Kolkata and across major Indian cities:
| City | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Kolkata | ₹26,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹20,000 – ₹2,80,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹16,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹18,000 – ₹2,70,000 |
| Coimbatore | ₹18,000 – ₹2,70,000 |
| Noida | ₹15,000 – ₹2,30,000 |
| New Delhi | ₹15,000 – ₹2,30,000 |
| Nagpur | ₹12,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Pune | ₹14,000 – ₹2,10,000 |
| Chennai | ₹14,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
Kolkata offers competitive salaries, especially for entry-level professionals. The penetration tester salary in Kolkata for freshers ranges from ₹26,000 to ₹62,500 per month, making it an attractive city for those starting their careers. The junior penetration tester salary in Kolkata typically falls between ₹35,000 and ₹70,000 per month, depending on skills and company size.
While Bangalore and Hyderabad remain the top-paying cities due to their large number of IT firms and cybersecurity startups, Kolkata is quickly catching up. The penetration testing average salary in Kolkata is steadily rising, with mid-level and senior professionals earning up to ₹1,80,000 per month. This makes Kolkata a strong contender among India’s major tech hubs for cybersecurity talent.
Factors Affecting Penetration Tester Salary in Kolkata
Several factors influence the penetration tester salary in Kolkata per month. Here are the key ones:
- Experience Increases Pay: The more experience you have, the higher your salary. The penetration tester salary in Kolkata for freshers is lower, but it increases steadily as you gain skills and handle more complex security tasks.
- Skills Boost Salary: Strong knowledge of cybersecurity tools, ethical hacking, and programming languages like Python or Java leads to better pay. Testers with expertise in web security or network defense often earn more due to high demand.
- Certifications Lead to Better Pay: Holding certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) makes you more valuable. Certified testers are trusted more by employers and receive higher salaries.
- Location Matters: The penetration tester salary in Kolkata is competitive, especially as the city’s IT sector continues to grow. While tech hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad offer slightly higher pay, Kolkata is quickly becoming a strong contender.
- Big Companies Offer Higher Salaries: Large organizations in IT, banking, and healthcare pay better. They need stronger security, which means they hire skilled testers and offer attractive salaries. The penetration testing average salary is higher in bigger firms compared to smaller startups.
- Specialized Roles Earn More: Testers who specialize in cloud security, IoT security, or ethical hacking earn more. These in-demand skills lead to better pay in Kolkata and across India. The Security Tester salary in India is also rising as companies invest more in advanced cybersecurity measures.
Penetration Tester Job Market and Demand in Kolkata
The demand for penetration testers in Kolkata is rising as companies prioritize cybersecurity. With increasing cyber threats, businesses need experts to safeguard their systems, making penetration testing a highly valued and well-paying career in the city.
Growing Need for Cybersecurity
Kolkata’s job market for penetration testers is expanding as companies face more security risks. Businesses across industries are hiring skilled testers to protect their data and prevent breaches. The penetration tester salary in Kolkata per month is becoming more competitive, attracting freshers and experienced professionals alike.
IT Sector Driving Demand
Kolkata’s growing IT sector is fueling the demand for penetration testers. With the rise of cloud technology, fintech, and AI, companies need security experts to identify and fix system vulnerabilities. The penetration tester salary in India is attractive, and Kolkata’s IT firms offer good pay, especially for testers with specialized skills.
E-commerce and Digital Expansion
As more people shop online and use digital payments, companies are focusing heavily on platform security. Even a small security breach can damage customer trust and cause financial losses. This makes penetration testers highly valuable. The junior penetration tester salary in Kolkata is competitive in sectors like e-commerce and digital finance, with growing opportunities for higher pay.
Compliance with Cybersecurity Regulations
With stricter data protection laws in India, companies need to stay compliant. Regular security audits are essential, creating a steady demand for penetration testers. Professionals with certifications like CEH or OSCP earn more, as they are trusted for their expertise. The penetration testing average salary continues to grow as companies invest more in compliance and security.
Steady Career Growth
The salary of penetration testers in India is increasing, and Kolkata offers strong career prospects. While penetration tester salary in Kolkata for freshers is lower, experienced professionals in senior roles earn significantly higher pay. With more companies strengthening their cybersecurity teams, the demand for skilled security testers is only set to rise.
Conclusion
Penetration testing is a fast-growing field with huge career potential in Kolkata. As cyber threats keep rising, companies need skilled professionals to protect their systems, creating a strong demand for penetration testers. The penetration tester salary in Kolkata per month is competitive, especially for experienced professionals and specialists in web security. The penetration testing average salary continues to grow, offering attractive pay across various industries.
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FAQ's
What is the salary of a manual tester in Kolkata?
The starting salary for manual testers in Kolkata is around ₹6.7 lakhs per year. However, the pay can vary based on experience, skills, and the company.
Which tester has the highest salary?
Testers with specialized skills, such as Test Architects, QA Leads/Managers, and experts in automation, performance, and security testing, usually earn the highest salaries in the software testing field.
What is the salary of an automation tester in Kolkata?
Entry-level automation testers in Kolkata earn between ₹3,00,000 and ₹5,00,000 per year. With experience, their salary can increase significantly, ranging from ₹8,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 annually.