Penetration Tester Jobs in Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, British Columbia$117,000 - $195,000 CAD/yearFull-time
Last updated: January 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from Canadian Labour Market reports

Penetration Tester Salary in Vancouver

Entry Level
$87,750
Average
$117,000 - $195,000
Senior Level
$243,750

Salaries adjusted for Vancouver's cost of living index (130% of national average).

Required Skills

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Penetration Tester Job Market in Vancouver

Vancouver offers a competitive job market for Penetration Tester professionals. As a major hub for Technology and Film, the city has strong demand for technology & software talent. The market for Penetration Tester positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and emerging businesses. Vancouver's growing economy and quality of life attract both local talent and professionals relocating from larger cities.

Top Companies Hiring Penetration Testers in Vancouver

AmazonMicrosoftSAPHootsuiteSlackClio

Major employers hiring Penetration Testers in Vancouver include Amazon, Microsoft, SAP, Hootsuite, and Slack, Clio. As a recognized tech hub, Vancouver attracts both global tech giants and innovative startups, offering diverse career paths for Penetration Testers.

Penetration Tester Salary in Vancouver vs Other Cities

Penetration Tester salaries in Vancouver typically range from $117,000 to $195,000 annually. This is comparable to Toronto salaries, though Vancouver's similar cost of living may provide better value.

Cost of Living for Penetration Testers in Vancouver

Living in Vancouver as a Penetration Tester means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,600/month (53% above national average). With Penetration Tester salaries starting around $90,000, budgeting carefully for housing is advisable in Vancouver.

130
Cost Index (100 = avg)
675K
Population
Yes
Tech Hub
4+
Major Industries

Commuting as a Penetration Tester in Vancouver

Vancouver top-rated SkyTrain system with extensive bus network. Key transit tips: SkyTrain is fast and reliable for commuting. Canada Line connects downtown to Richmond and airport.

Best neighborhoods for Penetration Testers in Vancouver: Yaletown (Tech corridor with Amazon and startups); Gastown (Historic area with creative tech firms); Mount Pleasant (Emerging tech hub with coworking spaces).

Frequently Asked Questions About Penetration Tester Jobs in Vancouver

What is the average Penetration Tester salary in Vancouver?

Penetration Tester salaries in Vancouver typically range from $117,000 to $195,000 annually, depending on experience and company size. While Vancouver has a higher cost of living, compensation tends to reflect this.

Is Vancouver a good city for Penetration Testers?

Vancouver is a major hub for Penetration Tester professionals. Technology and Film are the dominant industries, creating consistent demand. The city's population of 675K supports a diverse job market with both established companies and emerging businesses.

What's the cost of living like for Penetration Testers in Vancouver?

Vancouver's cost of living index is 130 (national average = 100). Housing costs are above average, so budgeting is important even with good salaries.

What skills are essential for Penetration Tester roles?

Key skills for Penetration Tester positions include Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability Assessment, Kali Linux, as well as Network Security and Report Writing. Employers particularly value candidates who can demonstrate practical experience with these competencies through projects, certifications, or previous work experience.

What programming languages are most in-demand for tech jobs in Canada?

Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, and Java consistently rank as the most in-demand programming languages in Canada. Cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP), React/Node.js for web development, and SQL for data work are also highly sought after. The specific requirements vary by role—data scientists lean toward Python, while frontend developers need JavaScript expertise.

Is a computer science degree required for tech jobs in Canada?

While a CS degree is valued, it's not always required. Many Canadian tech companies, including Shopify and Wealthsimple, hire based on skills and portfolio. Coding bootcamp graduates, self-taught developers, and career changers regularly land tech roles. That said, some positions at banks or government may have stricter education requirements.

What's the typical career progression in Canadian tech companies?

Tech career paths typically progress from Junior (0-2 years) to Intermediate (2-5 years) to Senior (5-8 years) to Staff/Principal (8+ years). Management tracks branch into Team Lead, Engineering Manager, and Director roles. Many Canadian tech companies offer both individual contributor and management paths with competitive compensation.

How do tech salaries in Canada compare to the US?

Canadian tech salaries are generally 20-40% lower than US equivalents in absolute terms, but the gap narrows when considering healthcare, cost of living, and exchange rates. Remote work opportunities with US companies have increased earning potential for Canadian tech workers, with some commanding near-US salaries while living in Canada.

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