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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$135K - $160K *

Engineer next-gen AppSec solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance detection capabilities and drive innovation in vulnerability research and autonomous pen-testing...

Toronto, ONRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $190K *

Elevate your career by ensuring AI systems perform reliably and transparently. As a key evaluator, you'll validate models, design audits, and provide critical insights that drive improvements and supp...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Partner with us to ensure the quality and reliability of our web-based administrative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate features, identify defects, and maintain comprehens...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$146K - $190K *

Transform security practices by leading red team operations and adversary simulations in cloud environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security posture, develop effective reme...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Advance your career as a Compliance Consultant, supporting diverse clients in enhancing their information security and compliance frameworks. Collaborate on audits, risk assessments, and governance pr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $180K *

Champion security initiatives by embedding secure design principles across applications, cloud, and infrastructure. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance security maturity and protect over 6,0...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$63K - $111K *

Empower mission success by assessing utility vulnerabilities and enhancing infrastructure resilience against diverse threats. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure operational continuity...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Optimize IT operations by managing day-to-day support for macOS and Windows environments, ensuring seamless onboarding/offboarding, and administering SaaS platforms while enhancing user experience and...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$104K - $166K *

Transform the security landscape by providing expert information assurance support for cloud-hosted systems. Collaborate with Agile teams to enhance security protocols and ensure compliance with feder...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$171K - $245K *

Join us as a Principal Threat Researcher, where you'll analyze adversary behavior, develop detection methodologies, and drive innovation in cybersecurity. Your expertise will shape product strategy an...

Bellevue, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of security engineering by embedding robust practices into development. Collaborate with engineers to enhance platform security, automate compliance, and build scalable tools that emp...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$191K - $293K *

Explore the future of security by leading vulnerability research efforts, enhancing software defenses, and streamlining remediation processes to protect critical networks from emerging threats...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive comprehensive vulnerability management across diverse infrastructures, ensuring robust security for cutting-edge AI technologies. Own the entire security program, from engineering to remediation...

San Francisco, CARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion endpoint security by deploying and managing EDR solutions, collaborating with teams to enhance customer security posture, and innovating to exceed industry standards in a dynamic, remote-frie...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior Cybersecurity Pre-Sales Technical Architect, driving strategic security solutions and fostering relationships with key stakeholders to enhance business development in...

Lisle, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $220K *

Lead the design and implementation of advanced systems and workflows for GTM teams. Drive technical initiatives to optimize scalability, leverage AI, and mentor engineers, ensuring robust architectura...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead strategic cybersecurity initiatives, enhance client security posture, and manage complex incident responses. Collaborate with teams to develop solutions, analyze threats, and improve security ope...

Massachusetts, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $200K *

Transform the security landscape by leading corporate security and compliance initiatives. Own identity infrastructure, manage vendor relationships, and ensure customer trust while implementing robust...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$124K - $229K *

Join us to protect our players and platforms from advanced cyber threats. As a key member of our security team, you'll actively identify, investigate, and respond to security incidents, ensuring robus...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform the future of cloud infrastructure by automating and optimizing systems for reliability, performance, and scalability, collaborating with engineering teams to embed best practices and foster...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team leading threat intelligence and detection engineering. Shape strategies to protect diverse industries from cyber threats, while building a high-impact program that...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $140K *

Unlock your potential as you innovate automated testing solutions for AWS infrastructures and CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance deployment confidence and streamline v...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by designing, deploying, and supporting security technologies. Collaborate with clients to enhance their security posture while aligning with busi...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$66K - $106K *

Join a dynamic team to design and implement secure identity solutions using Okta, ensuring compliance with DoD standards while enhancing authentication processes across high-visibility systems in a fu...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to drive advanced threat hunting strategies, mentor global security teams, and develop innovative cybersecurity scenarios. Leverage your expertise in incident response and AI to en...

United StatesRemote

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.