How much does a Penetration Test Cost?

Understanding the pricing landscape of penetration testing can be complex, but it's essential for organizations looking to invest in meaningful security assessments. At Secure Ideas, we believe in transparency, which is why we've put together this guide to help you understand what drives penetration testing costs, why pricing varies between vendors, and where our services fall on that spectrum.

How Much Does a Penetration Test Cost?

Without diving into scope specifics, the average cost of a penetration test typically falls between $10,000 and $45,000. Depending on the size & complexity of your environment and the goals of the engagement, prices can be slightly lower or significantly higher.

While many tests fall within this range, it's important to understand the factors that influence pricing and how you can make the most of your investment.

Key Factors That Drive Penetration Testing Costs

Penetration testing services are usually quoted as a fixed price based on estimated effort. Two primary components drive the cost: Scope and Rate.

Scope

The scope defines what is being tested and to what extent. It includes:

• Type of test: Network, application, ICS/SCADA, etc.
  
  
• Breadth: How many systems, applications, or devices are in scope
  
  
• Depth: How far testers should go—just vulnerability identification or full exploitation demonstrations
  
  

Pro Tip: A well-defined scope not only controls costs, it also improves testing quality and focus.

Rate

The rate reflects the estimated effort multiplied by an hourly or project-based rate.

• Typical hourly rates for penetration testers range from $200/hr to $500/hr.
  
  
• At Secure Ideas, our rate is $340/hr, ensuring experienced, senior-led engagements.
  
  

Pricing Modifiers

Variables that might impact your final price include:

• After-hours or on-site testing needs
  
  
• Specialized reporting formats
  
  
• Follow-up retesting
  
  
• Multi-year or retainer discounts
  
  

What Drives Penetration Testing Costs Up?

Several factors contribute to higher costs:

• Complex, hybrid environments (e.g., cloud + ICS + IoT)
  
  
• Manual exploitation and customized attack paths by experienced testers
  
  
• Specialized services such as ICS/SCADA, mobile app, or IoT assessments
  
  
• Comprehensive documentation: Executive summaries, technical findings, and remediation strategies

What Can Drive Costs Down?

Cost-saving strategies include:

• Clear, narrow scope: Testing a focused set of assets instead of large-scale open-ended testing
  
  
• Client preparation: Timely system access, test credentials, and quick communication
  
  
• Recurring engagements: Testing regularly with the same firm reduces setup overhead
  
  
• Prepaid service credits: Discounts for bundled or future testing needs
  
  

Insider Tip: Ready access to systems and clear lines of communication almost always keep projects on schedule and within budget.

Why Do Penetration Testing Prices Vary Between Vendors?

Higher-priced firms typically:

• Staff projects with senior, highly certified consultants
  
  
• Perform deep, manual exploitation beyond automated tools
  
  
• Deliver thorough, remediation-driven reports
  
  
• Prioritize client relationships, confidentiality, and project transparency
  
  

Lower-cost providers often:

• Rely primarily on automated scans
  
  
• Use less experienced, junior testers
  
  
• Provide basic finding lists with minimal remediation guidance
  
  
• Limit scope and effort to keep costs low
  
  

Choosing a partner isn’t just about price, it’s about protecting your business effectively.

Where Does Secure Ideas Fall?

Secure Ideas typically offers penetration testing engagements priced between $10,000 and $45,000, depending on scope complexity, testing type, and compliance factors.

Our service model combines:

• Consultant-led, personalized testing
  
  
• Direct access to senior consultants
  
  
• Scalable service for small businesses and enterprises alike

We offer the flexibility of a boutique firm with the capabilities of a larger provider and our commitment to community involvement & security education sets us apart.

You can even use our free online pricing calculator to get a quick estimate before scheduling a full scoping call.

Service Models and Packaging Options

Penetration testing engagements can be structured in several ways:

• Time-boxed testing: Set number of hours or days
  
  
• Scope-based testing: Focused on defined assets or goals
  
  
• Continuous testing: Ongoing evaluation throughout the year
  
  
• Bundled packages: Combine pen testing, training, and consulting into a comprehensive security program
  
  

We'll help you select the right model for your risk profile and business objectives.

Initial Price vs. Lifetime Value

It’s tempting to focus on the initial price, but real value comes from:

• Catching vulnerabilities before attackers do
  
  
• Reducing time and cost to remediate issues
  
  
• Meeting compliance needs efficiently
  
  
• Improving your long-term cybersecurity posture
  
  

Remember: The cheapest test today could cost you millions tomorrow if it misses a critical weakness.

Is a Professional Penetration Test Worth It?

Absolutely.
A well-scoped, professionally executed penetration test provides actionable insights that strengthen your defenses against today's sophisticated threats.

Cybersecurity is no longer optional. Testing your systems proactively is a smart investment in resilience, trust, and long-term growth.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Let's tailor a penetration test that meets your specific needs, fits your budget, and helps secure your future.

Schedule your FREE scoping call today!

Money-Saving Tip:

If you are looking for a deal from your penetration testing vendor, it may help to understand the work cycle in the industry. The brunt of both compliance-driven work and budget-driven work falls in the fourth quarter of the year. As a result, the first quarter of the year tends to be light on work. If your schedule is flexible, you may be able to negotiate a better price for a penetration test by timing it for the first quarter or even early in the second quarter of the year.