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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$200K - $250K *

Engage with clients as a trusted advisor, driving technical sales and solution design in cybersecurity. Collaborate with teams to translate complex challenges into impactful solutions, ensuring alignm...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to design and implement cutting-edge physical network infrastructure for large-scale data centers, ensuring optimal performance and reliability across global operations. Drive inno...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $120K *

Lead the charge in quality engineering for critical assessment platforms, driving testing excellence and automation maturity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and scalabil...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$104K - $166K *

Join a team that's redefining automation and AIOps for state infrastructure. Lead initiatives in AI-enabled operations and drive the evolution of enterprise automation while supporting the Texas Priva...

Texas, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $153K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing healthcare quality through innovative testing strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, user-centered products while mentoring jun...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$156K - $234K *

Transform partner relationships by driving technical enablement and sales success. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align strategies, mentor partners, and enhance market presence through inn...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$134K - $199K *

Elevate your career as you design and operate large-scale cloud services for a cutting-edge scanning engine. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and mentor engineers in a dy...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $185K *

Join a dynamic team as you design and develop CAD plugins, ensuring seamless integration with civil design workflows and GIS systems. Collaborate closely with engineers to enhance data management and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$105K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of identity management by designing and implementing robust SSO and IAM solutions across diverse environments, ensuring security and compliance while leveraging au...

Raleigh, NCRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$118K - $158K *

Lead the charge in developing and maintaining a robust information security audit program, ensuring compliance with FedRAMP, CMMC, and other standards while collaborating with engineering teams to imp...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a dynamic team as you drive growth by designing tailored software solutions for schools. Leverage your technical expertise to engage clients, deliver impactful demos, and collaborate with cross-f...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$75K - $158K *

Join a dynamic team to develop RPA solutions using UiPath and Java technologies. Engage with stakeholders to implement automation solutions that enhance workflows while working on cutting-edge project...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$206K - $283K *

Transform the future of endpoint security by leveraging your expertise to drive technical wins in sales cycles. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful presentations and build lasting customer rel...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join us to create stunning visuals using generative AI, enhancing every project stage. Collaborate with diverse teams to push creative boundaries while ensuring technical excellence in advertising pro...

Montreal, QCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$159K - $239K *

Engage in the full software development lifecycle for Windows-on-Snapdragon products. Collaborate with Agile teams to design, develop, and debug features while coordinating with stakeholders to resolv...

Washington, DCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$109K - $150K *

Shape the future of security solutions by guiding complex Managed Services integrations. Collaborate with teams to align customer strategies, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance, while leading techn...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$164K - $200K *

Shape the future of software integration by leading a team to develop a robust ERP connector framework, ensuring data integrity and seamless communication between systems while driving architectural d...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $102K *

Elevate your career by reviewing and editing environmental and property assessments. Collaborate with field staff to ensure report accuracy and quality, while providing technical guidance and maintain...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Advance next-gen forecasting by developing core architecture for in-core data assimilation in Earth system models. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to enhance model capabilities and ensure ro...

College Park, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Unlock advanced security analytics by leveraging your expertise to enhance incident response capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable solutions and mitigate risks whil...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Drive innovative ServiceNow solutions in a dynamic, collaborative environment, ensuring effective development, integration, and deployment for government clients while enhancing platform capabilities...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$171K - $257K *

Unlock your potential as a leader in Cyber Resilience, driving innovative solutions and enabling sales teams to excel. Collaborate cross-functionally to align strategies and empower partners, ensuring...

Washington, DCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $150K *

Elevate security posture by driving the design and implementation of Zero Trust solutions. Play a pivotal role in enhancing enterprise cybersecurity for DoD clients, ensuring compliance with standards...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$218K - $300K *

Champion transformative partnerships by leading global business development with GSI. Drive strategy, cultivate executive relationships, and deliver innovative solutions to enhance revenue and market...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $180K *

Engage in a hands-on role to enhance security across products and infrastructure, collaborating with leadership to prioritize and execute critical security initiatives while ensuring compliance and ri...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

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.