How accurate is this calculator?

Based on public payout data and researcher averages, but individual results vary widely.

What is the median bug bounty income?

Median annual earnings are below $20,000; top 1% earn over $500,000.

🛡️ Bug Bounty Earnings Calculator

Realistic income estimator · based on public payout data & researcher averages

Skill level

Hours per week

20h

Focus area

Platform

💰 Estimated yearly payout $12,450

📆 Monthly (avg) $1,038

📊 Breakdown

Gross findings (per year)47

✅ Valid rate22%

📈 Avg severity distributionLow 30% · Med 40% · High 22% · Crit 8%

💸 Total valid payout$12,450

💼 Compared to pentester salary -68% below median

⚡ Reality check · Top 1% earn >$500K · Median researcher earns <$20K · Most earnings come from critical/high severity.

Based on public data: median payouts low $50-150, medium $500-1500, high $2000-5000, critical $5000-25000. Acceptance rates 15-30%.

* Estimates are indicative. Individual results vary by skill, luck, and methodology. Data from public bug bounty reports & researcher surveys.