Working at KnowBe4 means joining a global leader in cybersecurity awareness training with a distinct culture built on "radical transparency" and "extreme ownership." Employees, known as "Knowsters," operate in a fast-paced environment focused on mitigating human risk in cybersecurity. The company offers competitive benefits, including unlimited PTO and a 401(k) match. While sales roles can be high-pressure, the company invests heavily in employee development through its internal "KnowBe4 University" and promotes a fun, engaged workplace, though it is navigating changes following its 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners.

What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?

Working at KnowBe4 places you at the center of the cybersecurity world's human layer. The company, headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, is the world's largest integrated platform for security awareness training combined with simulated phishing attacks. Its mission is to enable employees to make smarter security decisions, effectively turning a company's workforce into its first line of defense. Employees, who call themselves "Knowsters," contribute to products used by over 65,000 organizations worldwide.

The day-to-day experience is shaped by a unique and heavily promoted set of cultural values, primarily "radical transparency" and "extreme ownership." This translates to an environment where information is shared widely and employees are expected to take full accountability for their projects and results. The atmosphere is frequently described as energetic, fast-paced, and fun, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and celebrating wins. The company went through a significant change in 2023 when it was acquired by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners for $4.6 billion, transitioning it from a publicly traded entity back to a private company. This change introduces both potential opportunities for investment and growth, as well as the typical uncertainties that accompany a private equity acquisition.

Source: KnowBe4 Careers Source: Vista Equity Partners Completes Acquisition of KnowBe4

How does KnowBe4 pay compare?

KnowBe4 aims to provide competitive compensation, though it is heavily influenced by role, location, and performance, especially in sales. The company's compensation packages typically consist of a base salary plus potential bonuses or commissions. For sales roles, the on-target earnings (OTE) are a significant part of the package, reflecting the company's growth-oriented, sales-driven culture.

Based on self-reported data, salaries for technical and support roles are generally in line with industry averages for a company of its size in the software sector. However, candidates should research specific roles carefully, as the shift from a public company to being private equity-owned can sometimes impact compensation philosophies and bonus structures over time.

Here’s how estimated base salaries for a few key roles at KnowBe4 compare to national medians for the software publishing industry:

Role	KnowBe4 Estimated Base Pay	U.S. National Median (Software Publishers)
Sales Development Representative	$45,000 - $60,000	$59,570
Software Engineer	$105,000 - $130,000	$132,150
Customer Success Manager	$60,000 - $78,000	$82,340

Note: KnowBe4 ranges are estimates based on self-reported data from Glassdoor and may not include commissions or bonuses. National medians are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023) for comparable roles in the Software Publishing industry (NAICS 513210). Actual compensation may vary.

Candidates should discuss compensation expectations, including the structure of variable pay, directly with recruiters during the interview process to get the most accurate picture.

Source: KnowBe4 on Glassdoor Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics

What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?

KnowBe4 offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to attract and retain talent in the competitive tech industry. One of the most highlighted perks is unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) for salaried employees. This policy is built on trust and the principle of extreme ownership, empowering employees to take the time they need to rest and recharge while still fulfilling their responsibilities.

Key benefits offered to U.S.-based employees include:

Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their families. The company also offers wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Planning: A 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, helping employees save for the future.
Parental Leave: The company provides paid parental leave for new parents to bond with their children.
Insurance: Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage.
Office Perks: For those working in or visiting the Clearwater headquarters, perks have historically included a full-service kitchen, baristas, and game rooms, fostering a vibrant in-office community.

This package is competitive within the software industry and demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being beyond just salary. The unlimited PTO policy, in particular, aligns with the company's culture of autonomy and personal responsibility.

Source: KnowBe4 Benefits

Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4

KnowBe4's culture is its most distinct characteristic. Led by founder and CEO Stu Sjouwerman, the culture is codified in three main rules: 1) Do it right the first time, 2) Do it fast, and 3) Have fun while you do it. This is underpinned by the core philosophies of Radical Transparency and Extreme Ownership. In practice, Radical Transparency means that company performance metrics, board meeting notes, and strategic plans are shared openly with all employees. Extreme Ownership, a concept popularized by former Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, requires employees to take full responsibility for their work, avoiding blame and making excuses.

This creates a high-accountability environment that is not for everyone but is deeply valued by those who thrive in it. Leadership is expected to model these principles, fostering direct communication and a problem-solving mindset.

KnowBe4 also places a strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The company has established several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support a diverse workforce, including:

Knowsters of Color Alliance (KOCA)
Women in Tech & Security
KnowBe4 Pride (LGBTQ+)
KnowBe4 Veterans

These groups play an active role in the company by fostering community, providing mentorship, and advising leadership on inclusive policies. This structured approach to DEI shows a commitment that goes beyond statements, embedding inclusionary practices into the company's operations.

Source: Our KB4 Culture Source: KnowBe4 Employee Resource Groups

The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4

The hiring process at KnowBe4 is designed to identify candidates who not only have the necessary skills but also align with the company's unique culture. While processes can vary by department, candidates can generally expect a multi-stage process.

Initial Application & Screening: After submitting an application online, a recruiter from the talent acquisition team will review your qualifications. If there's a potential match, they will schedule a 30-minute phone or video call to discuss your experience, career goals, and understanding of KnowBe4.
Hiring Manager Interview: This stage involves a deeper conversation with the manager of the team you're applying to join. Expect questions about your technical skills, past projects, and how you've handled specific work situations (behavioral questions). This is also your opportunity to learn more about the team's specific challenges and goals.
Skills Assessment or Presentation: Depending on the role, you may be asked to complete a technical assessment, a written exercise, or prepare a short presentation. For a sales role, this might be a mock pitch; for a software engineer, it could be a coding challenge.
Panel or Final Interviews: The final stage often involves meeting with other team members or cross-functional stakeholders. These interviews heavily assess for "culture fit." Be prepared to discuss what "radical transparency" and "extreme ownership" mean to you and provide examples of how you have embodied these principles in your past work.

Throughout the process, interviewers are gauging your enthusiasm, communication skills, and sense of personal accountability. Candidates who do their homework on KnowBe4's culture and can speak to it authentically tend to be more successful.

Source: KnowBe4 Interview Reviews on Glassdoor

Career growth and learning at KnowBe4

KnowBe4 invests significantly in the professional development of its employees, viewing it as essential for both individual and company growth. A core component of this is KnowBe4 University, an internal learning and development program. This platform offers a wide range of courses, workshops, and resources covering topics from technical skills and cybersecurity knowledge to leadership and soft skills development.

The company actively encourages internal mobility. With its rapid growth over the years, opportunities to move into new roles or take on more responsibility are common. The culture of ownership empowers employees to identify needs and create their own paths, and managers are often supportive of team members exploring opportunities in other departments.

This commitment to growth is clear: the company is in the business of training and development, and it applies that same ethos internally. Employees who are proactive about learning and seeking new challenges will find a supportive environment with ample resources to help them advance their careers within the organization.

Source: KnowBe4 Careers Page

Risks, criticisms, and what to watch

No workplace is perfect, and candidates considering KnowBe4 should be aware of potential challenges and criticisms. A recurring theme in employee reviews, particularly from sales departments, is the high-pressure, fast-paced environment. While this drives growth and high-earning potential for top performers, it can lead to stress and burnout for others. The company's focus on metrics and performance is relentless.

The most significant factor to watch is the impact of the 2023 acquisition by Vista Equity Partners. Private equity ownership can bring positive changes, such as new investment and strategic expertise. However, it can also lead to organizational restructuring, shifts in culture, and increased pressure to meet aggressive financial targets. Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful questions during the interview process about the company's long-term vision under new ownership and how the culture is being preserved.

While the company's "radical transparency" is a stated value, it's crucial for prospective employees to determine during interviews how this philosophy holds up under the more private, financially-focused PE ownership model. Evaluating the company's recent attrition rates and the tenure of leadership can provide clues to its current stability and employee morale.

Source: KnowBe4 Reviews on Glassdoor Source: SEC Filing on Vista Acquisition

Most Loved Workplaces® context

KnowBe4's commitment to a strong, employee-centric culture is a key reason it has been certified as a Most Loved Workplace®. This designation is earned by companies where employees are the most engaged, respected, and emotionally connected. The framework for certification is based on the SPARK model: Systemic Collaboration, a Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness. Research from the Best Practice Institute shows that companies in this category benefit from significant competitive advantages. For example, 4× higher revenue growth is seen at top-tier Most Loved Workplaces® versus industry peers, and they enjoy 48% higher employee retention. Across a network of 2.8 million employees at 1,800 certified companies, 92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® apply for roles when openings arise, indicating a powerful internal talent pipeline.

How we researched this report

This report was compiled by the Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. Our analysis is based on publicly available information, including the company's official careers and benefits pages, press announcements, SEC filings from its time as a public company, and data from third-party sites like Glassdoor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of late 2024. All sources are linked within the text for transparency. For more on our process, please see our methodology.

What Is It Really Like to Work at KnowBe4?