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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$110K - $130K *

Transform the security landscape by integrating security practices into CI/CD pipelines and Kubernetes environments, ensuring robust protection for cloud-native applications, AI services, and infrastr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$133K - $220K *

Lead innovative security solutions by enhancing database security posture, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and implement robust security features, and driving business impact throu...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $135K *

Architect a unified operational dashboard connecting diverse alert systems to streamline monitoring and enhance triage efficiency, ensuring critical alerts are prioritized and effectively routed...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Empower security innovation by designing robust cloud and infrastructure solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance security posture, ensuring safe multi-cloud operations and compliance while driv...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$66K - $109K *

Optimize IT support operations by efficiently triaging and resolving Tier 0-2 incidents. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and maintain critical applications in a dyna...

Mclean, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion incident response efforts by leading forensic investigations and threat hunting activities. Collaborate with teams to mitigate cyber risks and enhance client security, ensuring business conti...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $140K *

Grow your career with a hands-on role in Zero Trust security, optimizing Zscaler environments and integrating with enterprise systems. Collaborate with federal stakeholders to enhance security posture...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $185K *

Transform the Cyber operations landscape by leading business development, shaping solutions, and executing contracts. Build trusted relationships, manage a diverse portfolio, and drive customer satisf...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Take ownership of automating workflows across teams by building AI agents using Claude and Microsoft Copilot. Collaborate with various departments to identify automation opportunities, ensuring securi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive new business in the Cyber domain by building relationships, shaping solutions, and leading contract execution. Own a diverse portfolio while adapting to evolving responsibilities and ensuring cu...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $160K *

Design innovative solutions for a secure online proctored testing platform, guiding engineering teams in modernizing architecture and ensuring scalable, reliable delivery while enhancing candidate and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$190K - $225K *

Transform enterprise cybersecurity programs by leading AI-driven initiatives and modernization efforts. Collaborate with C-suite executives to design and implement comprehensive security roadmaps, enh...

Fairfax, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform correctional technology solutions by serving as a trusted advisor, enhancing customer relationships, and driving adoption through strategic guidance and expertise. Engage with stakeholders t...

Phoenix, AZRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $230K *

Drive impactful AI threat research marketing by transforming technical insights into compelling narratives. Collaborate with experts to enhance Cyera's authority and visibility in data security, while...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$189K - $259K *

Unlock operational success by leading global strategy and performance in Customer Success Operations, driving data-driven insights, seamless processes, and effective stakeholder engagement to enhance...

Colorado, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$66K - $106K *

Contribute to data-driven decision-making by designing and optimizing analytic solutions. Leverage your expertise in SQL and Tableau to transform raw data into actionable insights for mission-critical...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $190K *

Accelerate your career by validating and testing complex satellite communications systems for the U.S. Marine Corps. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust performance and mission su...

Carlsbad, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$165K - $220K *

Pioneer innovative solutions by collaborating with defense clients to operationalize real-time intelligence. Design and deploy data pipelines and applications on Palantir Foundry, ensuring mission-cri...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$81K - $138K *

Unlock the potential of automated testing and quality assurance for a federal agency's data and AI/ML platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure release readiness and enhance system p...

Alabama, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $190K *

Drive innovative detection solutions in a high-security environment, collaborating across teams to enhance security posture and engineering excellence while tackling emerging cyber threats with precis...

Denver, CORemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$157K - $238K *

Join a dynamic team to leverage AI in enhancing application security. You'll assess vulnerabilities, implement fixes, and shape AI security strategies, driving innovation in a fast-paced environment w...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $173K *

Join us to develop and maintain security tools, investigate risks, and enhance team operations. Collaborate with experienced engineers while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment, se...

Seattle, WARemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$159K - $235K *

Unlock potential by leading the technical roadmap for Proactive Security, collaborating across teams to embed security controls into Dasher products and mentor engineers in delivering secure systems f...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$150K - $230K *

Architect system-level requirements and verification plans for a complex aerospace program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure coherent design and integration across multiple engineerin...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$86K - $138K *

Join us to support the onboarding and configuration of Google Cloud Platform for our Federal Government client, ensuring seamless infrastructure operations and automation while providing expert cloud...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.