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.
Google Cloud Platform Engineer
$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...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Empower quality through engineering excellence and automation. Drive innovation by integrating automated testing into CI/CD pipelines, collaborating with teams to elevate software standards and preven...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Cyber Security Engineer (remote)
$100K - $145K *
Engage in advanced cybersecurity efforts by collaborating with SOC teams to detect, investigate, and respond to threats. Leverage next-gen tools to enhance detection capabilities and streamline incide...
6 days ago
Linux Web Server Administrator
$110K - $130K *
Transform your career by managing and optimizing Linux web server environments. Leverage your expertise in Apache, Tomcat, and NGINX to enhance performance, security, and reliability in a fully remote...
1 week ago
$100K - $130K *
Unlock potential by developing innovative software solutions using cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate closely with teams to create high-quality applications while adapting to new tools and process...
1 week ago
$85K - $110K *
Lead the charge in providing advanced remote technical support for complex security systems. Serve as a senior technical authority, mentoring junior engineers and resolving critical issues across ente...
6 days ago
Senior Technical Account Manager
$155K - $180K *
Lead the charge in optimizing delivery frameworks for complex global accounts, collaborating with VPs and executives to translate business needs into operational strategies, and mentoring peers to fos...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$300K - $500K *
Champion innovation by architecting and developing high-performance, real-time trading web apps. Leverage your expertise to enhance user experience and drive product evolution in a dynamic, collaborat...
Today
$70K - $117K *
Join our team as a Technical Business Analyst, bridging business needs and technical solutions. Drive data-driven projects, optimize processes, and enhance reporting for diverse clients while collabor...
4 days ago
Staff Software Engineer, Security Factory: Static Analysis
$152K - $259K *
Transform security analysis by leading the development of a static analysis engine. Shape technical direction, mentor engineers, and drive initiatives that enhance code security and performance across...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in managing projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver results on time while effectively co...
2 weeks ago
Strategic Account Executive - Federal
$135K - $157K *
Lead the charge in driving new business and expanding relationships within enterprise accounts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address complex identity challenges, ensuring measurable outc...
4 days ago
Principal AI Transformation Consultant, Professional Services
$100K - $185K *
Transform complex workflows by leading AI-driven change initiatives, guiding senior leaders through redesign and adoption processes, and ensuring measurable outcomes in legal, tax, and trade sectors...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining application security by guiding customers through complex evaluations. Leverage your expertise in offensive security to build relationships, deliver impactful demos, and...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in security administration and compliance operations, ensuring audit readiness and effective security controls. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage risks, coordinate audi...
5 days ago
$104K - $156K *
Unlock your potential as a Solutions Engineer, driving sales success by leveraging technical expertise to address customer challenges and deliver F5 solutions. Collaborate with sales teams to achieve...
1 week ago
$139K - $208K *
Unlock potential by driving technical sales support and solutions for customers. Collaborate with sales teams to achieve targets while providing expert guidance on F5 products and services, ensuring c...
1 week ago
$115K - $173K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic sales team as a Solutions Engineer, where you'll leverage technical expertise to drive sales, support customers, and deliver innovative F5 solutions that bridg...
1 week ago
$127K - $191K *
Unlock potential by driving technical sales solutions for major service providers. Collaborate with sales teams to articulate value propositions, mentor peers, and deliver exceptional customer service...
1 week ago
Fabric Data Engineer – Data Security & DevOps Focus
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by designing and maintaining secure, scalable data pipelines using Microsoft Fabric. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed security and operational excellence throughout th...
5 days ago
Cybersecurity and Compliance Manager
$120K *
Take ownership of cybersecurity compliance initiatives, leading risk management and strategic advisory services to enhance client security programs and ensure adherence to regulatory standards across...
6 days ago
$88K - $132K *
Help us drive growth as a strategic Channel Account Manager, collaborating with partners to create scalable sales strategies, enhance engagement, and achieve measurable outcomes in the enterprise tech...
4 days ago
$112K - $137K *
Unlock potential by designing and developing interactive dashboards that enhance program performance insights. Collaborate with teams to translate data into actionable visualizations, driving informed...
2 weeks ago
Senior Security Engineer - Federal
$149K - $250K *
Transform client security outcomes by leveraging technical expertise and customer engagement. Drive pre-sales efforts, conduct impactful demonstrations, and build strong relationships with stakeholder...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$90K - $118K *
Elevate the quality of software by designing automated testing frameworks and integrating AI tools for enhanced efficiency and accuracy. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth delivery of hig...
3 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.