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.
$115K - $117K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing privacy compliance and cybersecurity. Collaborate with stakeholders to assess risks, develop training, and ensure adherence to federal regulations while prote...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in enhancing cloud security by conducting proactive reviews, managing complex incidents, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve detection and response mechanisms whil...
1 week ago
$98K - $147K *
Transform your career by driving sales growth through innovative solutions in cybersecurity and networking. Engage with top organizations, leverage technology, and build lasting client relationships i...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $121K *
Join us to drive sales growth by identifying new business opportunities and nurturing client relationships. Leverage your technical and business acumen to influence stakeholders and close deals while...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Elevate cloud security and reliability by leading DevOps practices across teams. You'll optimize AWS and GCP environments, enhance CI/CD pipelines, and ensure cost-effective engineering tools, driving...
Today
Sr. QA Test Engineer (Quality Assurance)
$95K - $130K *
Transform the quality assurance landscape by leading manual and automated testing efforts, ensuring enterprise applications meet high standards for reliability, usability, and performance while collab...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Build quality into impactful software solutions by shaping testing strategies, creating test plans, and executing both manual and automated tests. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliable, user-ready...
2 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Engineer - Kubernetes
$110K - $177K *
Transform enterprise infrastructure by embedding with client teams to optimize Kubernetes deployments, streamline migrations, and enhance AI capabilities, ensuring successful platform adoption and ope...
6 days ago
$240K - $300K *
Empower strategic partnerships across the Eastern U.S. to drive revenue growth. Build and manage a partner-sourced pipeline, enhance customer engagement, and accelerate deal closures through collabora...
6 days ago
$184K - $356K *
Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, collaborating with research and product teams to transform innovative ideas into production-ready services that enhance AI tooling...
1 week ago
Senior Staff Technical Go-to-Market (GTM) Product Marketing Manager, Access Security
$180K - $261K *
Elevate the product-to-field strategy for Enterprise Password Manager and Privileged Access. Collaborate with sales and product teams to drive growth through effective technical storytelling and enabl...
6 days ago
$104K - $166K *
Lead technology planning and governance across infrastructure domains, ensuring performance, incident management, and innovation in private cloud, networking, mainframe, and AI platforms for optimal s...
4 weeks ago
Senior Incident Response Analyst
$120K - $145K *
Advance your career by managing complex cybersecurity incidents, leading response efforts, and developing comprehensive incident reports. Collaborate with teams to enhance security protocols and condu...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Incident Response Analyst
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in incident management and response, driving effective remediation strategies and assessments. Collaborate with teams to formulate incident response plans, conduct training exercises...
1 week ago
Senior Incident Response Analyst
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity through expert incident management, response, and analysis. Lead global efforts, develop training scenarios, and create comprehensive reports to...
Reposted 1 week ago
$57K - $117K *
Pioneer innovative training solutions as a UPK Developer, enhancing the Marine Corps ERP logistics system by creating engaging training materials and simulations. Collaborate with a dedicated team to...
Reposted 1 week ago
$130K - $135K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing federal cybersecurity compliance through advanced risk management and governance. Leverage your expertise to conduct assessments, manage authorizations, and e...
2 weeks ago
$83K - $124K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of CI/CD pipelines, enhancing software delivery and operational stability for enterprise applications while collaborating with cross-functiona...
5 days ago
Lead Consultant - Network Security
$98K - $167K *
Innovate within our network security team by leading the engineering and automation of enterprise security platforms. Drive technical excellence and enhance infrastructure management through modern pr...
1 week ago
Senior Partner Manager, Data & AI Security
$175K - $326K *
Grow your career with a strategic role driving Data & AI Security channel sales. Collaborate with partners to develop scalable practices, enhance revenue, and shape go-to-market strategies while engag...
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Payer Enterprise Sales Executive - Hunter
$142K - $188K *
Drive new business acquisition in the payer market by building C-suite relationships, managing the full sales cycle, and delivering tailored solutions to health plans and managed care organizations. Y...
2 weeks ago
Lead Platform Engineer, AI and DevSecOps
$155K - $175K *
Empower engineering teams by leading the evolution of cloud, security, and AI operations. Drive platform reliability and DevSecOps practices while mentoring others to foster a collaborative, innovativ...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to architect scalable AI solutions in healthcare, enhancing patient communication and safety. Lead cross-team projects, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in AI engineering pra...
2 weeks ago
Security & Infrastructure Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Drive security excellence by managing identity access, external testing, and compliance processes. Collaborate with teams to enhance AWS security and develop scalable policies, ensuring robust protect...
2 weeks ago
$185K - $225K *
Launch innovative full-stack solutions, owning features from backend to UI. Collaborate with a remote team to enhance agent workflows and ensure secure, reliable experiences in a regulated financial e...
2 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.