Explore Penetration Tester Jobs

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.

What Does a Penetration Tester Do?

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Career Paths and Work Environments

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.

Find Penetration Tester Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$126K - $188K *

Join a team that's redefining security data engineering by integrating and operationalizing data across multiple platforms. Lead initiatives that enhance risk management and drive measurable outcomes...

Minnesota, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Lead a dynamic team to innovate and execute bold, cross-channel campaigns that elevate brand presence and drive measurable growth in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate with various departments to c...

Boston, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$128K - $205K *

Elevate your career by owning the TA tech stack, driving integrations, and enhancing system efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and lead vendor relationships, all...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $220K *

Shape the future of software development by leading a dynamic team, driving innovation, and ensuring successful product delivery in a collaborative, agile environment focused on enhancing IT operation...

Texas, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$157K - $238K *

Empower our security initiatives as you develop and enhance threat detection systems, streamline data pipelines, and leverage AI for more effective monitoring and response, ensuring safety for our cus...

Dallas, TXRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$157K - $238K *

Pioneer innovative threat detection engineering solutions that protect our infrastructure. Collaborate across teams to enhance our detection platform through advanced telemetry, improve pipeline relia...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engage in innovative software development, collaborating with Agile teams to design, implement, and support solutions for population simulation. Drive project timelines and enhance application process...

Alexandria, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Unlock potential by leading full-stack Java development teams to drive innovative AI solutions. Lead architecture and design while mentoring engineers, ensuring scalable and secure enterprise systems...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate our software engineering capabilities by designing and building modern, cloud-native data pipelines. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless project delivery and advocate for best pr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $105K *

Join a dynamic team as a Lead Security Analyst, overseeing SOC operations, mentoring analysts, and enhancing security protocols. Drive incident response and ensure quality assurance in a fast-paced, c...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Deliver exceptional consulting services by managing client implementations, diagnosing technical issues, and providing tailored solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless in...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join us to enhance the security posture of our production platform. As an Infrastructure Security Engineer, you'll drive remediation efforts, build security frameworks, and collaborate with teams to p...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by leading threat hunting initiatives. Engage with clients to deliver tailored IT solutions, analyze complex data, and enhance security measures i...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $190K *

Join a team that's driving architectural excellence and AI adoption. You'll optimize cloud systems, enhance data processing, and lead engineering teams to innovate and scale efficiently, ensuring robu...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$75K - $158K *

Drive robust application security integration within the SDLC while collaborating with development teams to analyze and mitigate vulnerabilities. Engage in proactive testing and ensure compliance, enh...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing enterprise identity solutions, ensuring secure access across cloud and hybrid environments while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance IAM...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$103K - $181K *

Transform user experiences by developing and enhancing frontend applications using JavaScript, React, and TypeScript. Collaborate in an Agile environment to deliver high-quality software solutions whi...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$90K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through innovative automation testing. You'll develop robust frameworks and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure our IT Asset Ma...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $189K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing information technology solutions within the Department of the Air Force. Drive the implementation and modernization of Tenable architecture to ensure complian...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$195K - $362K *

Transform complex customer needs into scalable solutions by leading technical deployments, integrations, and automation. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive value and enhance operational efficiency...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Empower our team by developing and maintaining web applications that enhance user experience and support critical health programs. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration and robu...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $350K *

Elevate your career by driving the development of advanced AI models, overseeing pretraining processes, and optimizing training systems to ensure successful outcomes in a collaborative, innovative env...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$188K - $282K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving technical sales excellence by managing and developing the Solutions Engineering team, ensuring alignment with company goals and fostering a customer-focused env...

Olympia Fields, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $280K *

Engage with us to lead complex software initiatives, driving technical excellence and mentoring teams. You'll shape architecture, tackle challenges, and deliver high-performance solutions that support...

Florida, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead our product security research to identify emerging threats and shape strategic defenses. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security posture and drive industry discussions, ensuri...

CanadaRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a penetration tester?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.