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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$40K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team to drive business growth through consultative sales, building lasting client relationships, and delivering innovative payment solutions. This role offers uncapped earnings and oppo...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$159K - $235K *

Champion advanced detection engineering to enhance threat identification capabilities. Collaborate with Protective Services to develop and optimize detection systems, integrating diverse data sources...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$150K - $350K *

Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge reinforcement learning algorithms and frameworks. Collaborate on scaling research and training systems, focusing on your strengths to enhance AI capabilitie...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$224K - $308K *

Unlock potential by leading and scaling our MSSP partner business across North America, combining technical leadership with hands-on architecture engagements to drive strategic growth and adoption of...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $130K *

Accelerate your career by managing a portfolio of mid-market accounts, ensuring customer success through strategic engagement, relationship building, and AI-driven insights. Drive measurable outcomes...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Deliver high-quality software solutions by designing, developing, and maintaining enterprise-grade applications using Java, Spring Boot, and Oracle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure s...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $145K *

Grow your career with us by managing 15-20 high-value enterprise accounts, driving customer success outcomes, and fostering relationships with executive stakeholders while navigating a dynamic, fast-p...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$74K - $203K *

Drive integration excellence by overseeing OIC implementations and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance enterprise applications. Play a key role in optimizing performance and ensuring seamless c...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$116K - $122K *

Deliver reliable application packaging solutions for a large federal IT environment. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure seamless deployment across thousands of endpoints...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

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

$180K - $240K *

Transform the future of distributed systems by designing and building robust platform components. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and scalability in mission-critical environments, driving...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$187K - $253K *

Lead the development of innovative software solutions, driving impactful features and system improvements in a collaborative environment. Utilize advanced programming skills to tackle complex challeng...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $90K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional technical support for complex technologies, ensuring global customer satisfaction and product quality through collaborative troubleshooting and i...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$130K - $160K *

Shape the future of strategic partnerships by driving growth through collaboration with global technology partners. Leverage your expertise to enhance market presence and execute impactful go-to-marke...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential as a strategic leader driving growth in cybersecurity consulting. Engage with executive stakeholders, close complex deals, and leverage a vast partner ecosystem to deliver tailor...

Scottsdale, AZRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering high-impact consulting solutions for clients in the Energy & Utilities sector. Manage engagements, build relationships, and mentor teams to drive client success and strat...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $177K *

Join us to shape the future of cybersecurity by leading product vision and strategy for our innovative Autonomous and Continuous pentesting platform, driving impactful solutions that enhance security...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K - $200K *

Drive the future of network connectivity by managing site selection, carrier negotiations, and team leadership to ensure robust, efficient data center connections globally. Collaborate with engineerin...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Drive AI-native software development by architecting systems, guiding AI agents, and ensuring quality. Collaborate closely with users to transform business needs into reliable, efficient solutions whi...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$82K - $87K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research through technology. Lead and mentor a talented group of professionals in delivering high-performance computing solutions that support innovative rese...

Indiana, USRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$95K - $192K *

Join a team that's poised to lead integrated IT audits while managing client relationships and project execution. Contribute to growth initiatives, talent development, and business solutions for Risk...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$85K - $141K *

Champion quality assurance processes and validate software capabilities through manual and automated testing to ensure reliability, security, and compliance for a large-scale agile software developmen...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Join our team to drive customer success by managing strategic accounts, overseeing Nucleus platform deployments, and enhancing client engagement. Leverage your technical expertise to ensure effective...

Florida, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Champion growth by driving enterprise sales in the Insurance sector, leveraging AI voice technology. Engage with diverse clients, manage complex sales cycles, and deliver innovative solutions that enh...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$119K - $175K *

Drive complex security initiatives, mentor engineers, and lead investigations into high-impact incidents, focusing on AI/LLM security posture and compliance across multiple domains...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $120K *

Champion quality assurance for mission-critical healthcare applications. Lead testing efforts, validate software enhancements, and ensure compliance with healthcare standards in a fully remote environ...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.