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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$110K - $130K *

Champion the administration of Google Cloud and Gemini Enterprise environments, ensuring secure, scalable configurations. Collaborate with IT and business teams to optimize cloud services and support...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's optimizing and securing complex virtual infrastructures across diverse environments. You'll ensure system stability and high availability through proactive management, monitoring, a...

Oklahoma, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Drive the optimization and security of complex virtual infrastructures across diverse environments, ensuring high availability and stability through proactive management, monitoring, and disaster reco...

Fort Belvoir, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's optimizing and securing complex virtual infrastructures across diverse environments. You'll ensure system stability and high availability through proactive management, monitoring, a...

Richmond, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Drive the optimization and management of complex virtual infrastructures across on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring system stability, security, and high availability through proactive lifecyc...

Ogden, UTRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Manage and optimize complex virtual infrastructure across cloud and on-prem environments. Ensure high availability, scalability, and security through proactive lifecycle management and performance mon...

New Cumberland, PARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$500K+*

Unlock potential by building a next-gen ML data platform that enhances productivity for ML practitioners. Collaborate with experts to create scalable infrastructure for feature computation and sharing...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$180K - $200K *

Champion innovation by developing scalable backend solutions and troubleshooting complex issues within our Cyber-Physical Systems platform. Collaborate with global teams to enhance performance and ens...

New York, NYRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$320K - $405K *

Shape your career as you oversee network deployment and maintenance across multiple data centers. Lead initiatives from planning to execution, ensuring the delivery of robust network solutions while d...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $130K *

Manage the design and implementation of integrated physical security systems, driving innovative solutions in complex environments while fostering collaboration with clients and stakeholders for enhan...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$130K - $210K *

Champion strategic enterprise accounts by driving new logo acquisition, building executive relationships, and leading negotiations to close transformative cybersecurity deals across a focused portfoli...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform product vision into reality by leading the Encoder solution, managing backlogs, and collaborating with stakeholders to maximize value and user satisfaction. Drive strategic decisions and ens...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$127K - $213K *

Transform integration solutions by designing and developing robust MuleSoft applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality delivery and optimize performance while mentori...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on transforming corporate learning. As a senior leader, you'll drive strategic initiatives, engage with top executives, and shape the future of wo...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Transform data operations by leading our Snowflake platform migration, ensuring security, reliability, and cost efficiency while collaborating across teams to standardize practices and enhance data ma...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$224K - $308K *

Transform the MSSP partner landscape by driving adoption, building relationships, and integrating cutting-edge solutions. Collaborate with partners to enhance technical offerings and ensure success ac...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Lead the engineering of cutting-edge SIEM and SOAR platforms while advising clients on enhancing their security posture. Your expertise will shape customer onboarding and service design, ensuring effe...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$84K - $124K *

Drive the evolution of Cyber Defense by engineering and automating security operations, enhancing incident response, and maintaining enterprise security platforms to ensure robust protection and swift...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as you champion quality across the SDLC, promoting best practices in testing. Collaborate cross-functionally to build and scale automated test suites, ensuring reliability and perf...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading a dynamic team of Client Success Managers, driving customer satisfaction and retention while collaborating cross-functionally to maximize value from our solutions and in...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $210K *

Drive impactful projects as a Power Platform Consultant, collaborating with a dynamic team to deliver innovative solutions for high-profile clients while advancing your career with cutting-edge techno...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$166K - $232K *

Lead the evolution of our data platform to enhance analytics and machine learning capabilities. Collaborate cross-functionally to architect robust data solutions that empower teams to leverage insight...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at a dynamic engineering team, tackling complex technical challenges while delivering high-quality code. Own architectural decisions and enhance integration across services in a co...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$220K - $290K *

Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $200K *

Reimagine security engineering leadership by guiding strategic initiatives across cloud and infrastructure security, enhancing detection engineering, and fostering collaboration to protect a multi-clo...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

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.