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.
$90K - $110K *
Pioneer the development and enhancement of innovative applications, ensuring seamless integration with services. Leverage technical expertise to transform requirements into high-quality, user-friendly...
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$120K - $145K *
Elevate security standards by leading bug bounty programs, conducting audits, and enhancing software supply chain security. Collaborate across teams to build innovative tools that protect users and en...
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Shape the future of cybersecurity in higher education by delivering expert assessments, advisory services, and tailored remediation plans that empower institutions to enhance their security posture an...
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$135K - $160K *
Accelerate progress at securing cloud environments by designing robust guardrails and automation. Collaborate with engineering teams to embed security into CI/CD pipelines and ensure compliance across...
1 week ago
Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) Analyst
$80K - $128K *
Elevate your career as a DFIR Analyst, conducting cyber data analytics, leading detection technologies, and enhancing security measures. Collaborate with IT teams to protect assets and support inciden...
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Lead Consultant - Network Security
$125K - $150K *
Drive secure network segmentation by designing and managing compliant architectures. Leverage advanced security tools to ensure policy-driven connectivity across global environments while leading oper...
3 weeks ago
$119K - $161K *
Transform web applications by developing, deploying, and maintaining PHP solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and ensure optimal functionality in a client-faci...
3 days ago
Enterprise Security Engineer, Vulnerability Management
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by investigating and prioritizing vulnerabilities across enterprise systems, driving remediation, and enhancing security capabilities through automation and AI integration...
1 week ago
Security Engineer, Vulnerability Management & Security Operations
$120K - $145K *
Lead our vulnerability management and security operations program, shaping it from the ground up. Collaborate with a small Trust team to enhance our security posture and ensure compliance while automa...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage with sales teams to identify prospects and demonstrate solutions that enhance organizational security. Educate clients on challenges and drive meetings to provide tailored solutions, ensuring e...
1 week ago
$150K - $160K *
Champion cloud and application security by enhancing AWS practices, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement to ensure secure and compliant environments...
3 weeks ago
Principal Software Tester (Edifecs)
$80K - $120K *
Elevate software quality by leading comprehensive testing strategies, ensuring all systems meet rigorous standards and user needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements and del...
1 week ago
Principal Software Tester (Edifecs)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Software Testing Principal, where you'll develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to dri...
2 weeks ago
Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (Performance & Bare-Metal)
$140K - $252K *
Unlock potential by leading test strategies for hypervisor performance and VM quality. Collaborate with teams to design automated benchmarks and validate deployment safety, ensuring high standards acr...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion our AppSec program by operating scanning tools, triaging vulnerabilities, and collaborating with engineering teams to enhance security practices and ensure compliance throughout the SDLC...
6 days ago
Test & Validation Integration Engineer - Federal Customer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in ensuring seamless deployment of enterprise-grade infrastructure by integrating, testing, and validating complex systems in a controlled lab environment, enabling rapid field activat...
1 week ago
Account Manager - Enterprise Expansion
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer growth within established enterprise accounts, improving retention and driving measurable expansion by engaging new stakeholders and increasing contract value while collaborating closely with...
4 weeks ago
Integration/Test Automation Engineer (Journeyman)
$100K - $120K *
Drive the development and execution of automated tests for integration and performance, ensuring quality and reliability in software delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testin...
Today
Infrastructure Security Vulnerability Engineer
$127K - $133K *
Elevate your career by managing vulnerability remediation in cloud environments. Collaborate with technical teams to analyze security risks, prioritize vulnerabilities, and implement effective solutio...
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$140K - $175K *
Shape technical innovation by leading cross-team efforts in system architecture and development. Drive scalable improvements, mentor peers, and influence business outcomes while ensuring long-term mai...
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$109K - $197K *
Unlock potential by providing end-to-end support and consultancy across multiple product suites, ensuring customer success through effective integration and proactive service enhancements in a dynamic...
1 week ago
$123K - $172K *
Join our dynamic team to tackle real challenges in SaaS management, enhancing IT and Security ecosystems. Collaborate with talented professionals to build impactful software while leveraging AI for ef...
4 days ago
$153K - $242K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity by developing innovative architectures and strategies that integrate AI and emerging technologies, enhancing security capabilities across multiple domains while colla...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Elevate security practices by building and managing a comprehensive security program. Collaborate with engineers to identify vulnerabilities, implement automated checks, and ensure robust protection a...
Today
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing security design processes, ensuring high-quality project delivery, and collaborating with designers and project managers to drive efficiency in mission-critic...
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.