Penetration testers help organizations uncover and address security weaknesses before malicious attackers can exploit them. These professionals simulate real-world attacks against applications, networks, cloud environments, and systems, then explain their findings and recommend practical fixes. Explore vetted penetration tester opportunities on Ladders, including positions with compensation of $100,000 or more.
Penetration testers plan and conduct authorized security assessments using a mix of technical tools and manual testing. They may test web applications, APIs, internal and external networks, wireless systems, cloud infrastructure, or mobile applications. After testing, they document evidence, assess risk, and work with development, IT, and security teams to prioritize remediation and verify that vulnerabilities have been resolved.
Employers commonly seek experience with operating systems, networking, scripting, and security testing methodologies. Familiarity with tools such as Burp Suite, Nmap, Metasploit, and vulnerability scanners can be valuable, alongside knowledge of secure software development and cloud security. Clear communication and report writing are essential: testers must translate technical findings into actionable guidance for both engineers and business stakeholders. Certifications such as OSCP, GPEN, or relevant cloud and application-security credentials may strengthen a candidate’s profile, though requirements vary by employer.
Penetration testers work in consulting firms, technology companies, financial services, healthcare, government, and other organizations with significant security needs. Related roles include red team operator, application security engineer, security consultant, vulnerability researcher, and penetration testing lead. With experience, professionals may move into security architecture, offensive security management, or broader cybersecurity leadership.
Search Ladders for penetration tester jobs and related offensive security opportunities. Review role requirements, compare positions, and find vetted professional openings that match your experience and career goals, including jobs paying $100,000 or more.
$120K - $160K *
Drive impactful cybersecurity solutions by executing advanced penetration tests, managing engagements, and providing strategic guidance on security architecture, while fostering team collaboration and...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform cybersecurity practices by delivering high-quality penetration tests, managing engagements, and providing strategic guidance on security architecture. Collaborate with teams to enhance mobil...
3 weeks ago
Penetration Tester - Hardware (Canada)
$90K - $140K *
Transform security assessments by leading hardware penetration tests on embedded and IoT devices. Collaborate with clients to identify vulnerabilities and enhance their security posture through hands...
3 days ago
$130K - $165K *
Lead penetration testing efforts to enhance security across applications and infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to identify vulnerabilities, validate findings, and promote security awareness, cont...
3 weeks ago
Penetration Tester (Texas/Florida)
$80K - $120K *
Empower the future of cybersecurity by conducting penetration testing on web and mobile applications. Collaborate with a skilled team to identify vulnerabilities and enhance security measures, ensurin...
4 days ago
Penetration Tester - Infrastructure & Red Team
$90K - $120K *
Drive impactful security assessments by planning and executing infrastructure penetration tests, cloud security evaluations, and adversary simulations. Collaborate with teams to enhance methodologies...
Today
Application Penetration Tester
$110K - $130K *
Engineer robust security solutions by assessing web applications and APIs. Leverage your expertise in OWASP and SANS frameworks to identify vulnerabilities, conduct thorough testing, and enhance secur...
Today
Penetration Tester - Hardware (Texas/Florida)
$80K - $120K *
Champion security assessments of embedded and IoT devices, leveraging your expertise in hardware penetration testing and firmware analysis to enhance client security posture and deliver actionable ins...
4 days ago
Penetration Tester - Infrastructure & Red Team (Texas/Florida)
$90K - $130K *
Lead the charge in offensive security by executing infrastructure penetration tests and adversary simulations. Collaborate with clients to enhance security measures while continuously improving method...
3 days ago
$143K - $183K *
Join a team that's redefining security testing for AI-driven software. As a Senior Penetration Tester, you'll identify vulnerabilities, enhance testing methodologies, and shape the future of secure AI...
1 week ago
$143K - $183K *
Shape the future of security testing by identifying vulnerabilities in AI-driven systems. Collaborate with engineers to enhance security protocols and tools, ensuring robust protection for innovative...
1 week ago
Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester
$90K - $110K *
Unlock potential by safeguarding digital assets through comprehensive security assessments, including penetration tests and vulnerability evaluations. Enhance cybersecurity awareness and strategies to...
4 weeks ago
Security Consultant - Penetration Testing
$110K - $130K *
Lead security engagements focused on Penetration Testing. Manage projects from initiation to reporting, mentor junior consultants, and enhance client relationships while delivering high-quality securi...
Today
Hardware Security Consultant / Penetration Tester
$80K - $150K *
Unlock potential by driving hardware security assessments, improving client security postures, and delivering actionable insights. Collaborate with teams and engage directly with clients while enhanci...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Security Consultant - Penetration Testing
$125K - $150K *
Transform security engagements by leading a team of penetration testers. Manage projects from initiation to reporting, mentor consultants, and enhance client relationships while driving service develo...
Today
Senior Penetration Tester & Assessments Lead
$90K - $189K *
Lead, shape, and execute advanced penetration testing assessments, overseeing scoping, planning, and reporting. Collaborate with teams to enhance cybersecurity measures across various platforms, ensur...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Security Consultant, Application Security
$75K - $175K *
Advance application security initiatives by leading manual code reviews, penetration tests, and threat modeling. Work closely with clients to strengthen their secure development processes, delivering...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $145K *
Empower security and compliance within Microsoft cloud environments by engineering and managing robust security controls while fostering a proactive approach to risk assessment and improvement for org...
4 weeks ago
Senior Security Consultant, Red Team
$75K - $150K *
Elevate cybersecurity effectiveness by leading proactive Red Team operations that simulate real-world threats, from social engineering to physical security testing, ensuring clients are resilient agai...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $185K *
Unlock business growth by leading technical scoping, managing client relations, and guiding consultants. This hybrid role integrates project management with hands-on consulting to ensure accurate prop...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Offensive Security Technical Lead
$105K - $231K *
Drive offensive security initiatives by leading penetration testing and red-team efforts. Own complex technical engagements, ensuring robust assessments and impactful remediation strategies for federa...
Reposted 1 week ago
Platform Tester (Back-end Systems)
$75K - $100K *
Reimagine quality assurance as a Platform Tester, driving test strategy and automation for critical healthcare solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure stability and scalability in...
6 days ago
$140K - $155K *
Deliver your expertise to enhance the security posture of Cloud Service Providers. Engage in comprehensive architecture reviews, compliance assessments, and technical consultations within a collaborat...
3 weeks ago
Platform Tester - (Back-End Systems)
$86K - $115K *
Elevate the quality of healthcare technology by owning test strategies for platform components, enhancing automation, and ensuring stability across releases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Develop your expertise in security as you tackle risks across application, infrastructure, and corporate domains. Join a dynamic team that balances security measures with business needs while protecti...
4 weeks ago
What is a penetration tester?
A penetration tester is a cybersecurity professional who conducts authorized, controlled testing to identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems, applications, networks, or cloud environments.
What skills do penetration tester jobs typically require?
Commonly requested skills include networking and operating system fundamentals, scripting, vulnerability assessment, web application testing, security tools, and the ability to write clear reports and collaborate on remediation.
Do penetration testers need certifications?
Certifications are not always required, but credentials such as OSCP or GPEN can demonstrate relevant skills. Requirements vary by employer, role, and level of experience.
Where do penetration testers work?
Penetration testers work across industries, including technology, consulting, financial services, healthcare, and government. They may be employed in-house or provide security assessments to clients.
How can I find penetration tester jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Use Ladders to explore vetted professional penetration tester and related cybersecurity openings, review each listing’s requirements and compensation details, and apply to roles aligned with your experience.