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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$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

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...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

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

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Georgia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by investigating and prioritizing vulnerabilities across enterprise systems, driving remediation, and enhancing security capabilities through automation and AI integration...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

St. Louis, MORemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Ottawa, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

La Plata, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Chicago, ILRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Ottawa, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.