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 security excellence by designing and implementing robust security controls across hybrid environments, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance overall protection and response cap...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$85K - $100K *

Transform the future of web applications by developing, maintaining, and enhancing secure intranet-based tools for VA researchers. Leverage your ColdFusion/CFML and SQL expertise to ensure optimal per...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $135K *

Drive growth by partnering with sales teams to identify and develop cybersecurity service opportunities. Lead consultative engagements, create proposals, and deliver impactful presentations while coll...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Take ownership of next-generation IT infrastructure innovation. Collaborate with a diverse team to design, deploy, and secure tools that enhance operational capabilities using leading technologies in...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$116K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to design and implement cloud security solutions, enhancing information security and compliance while mitigating cyber threats across the organization. Drive innovation and improve...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$218K - $256K *

Lead the charge in shaping IT strategy and operations for a remote-first SaaS company. Drive service delivery, enhance employee technology experiences, and build a high-performing IT organization whil...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $154K *

Lead the charge in high-quality process design for complex industrial projects, collaborating across disciplines to ensure effective delivery from concept to detail, while driving execution in a dynam...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Partner with us to drive innovative solutions as a Principal Architect, engaging in multi-faceted pre-sales and delivery efforts. Collaborate with teams and clients to enhance customer experiences and...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of product marketing by driving operational excellence in product launches and go-to-market initiatives. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless execution and strategic alignment...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$94K - $155K *

Lead the charge in optimizing partner relationships and Pre-Buy execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance sales strategies, manage complex programs, and ensure compliance while driving reve...

San Diego, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Optimize virtual desktop infrastructures by designing and deploying secure, non-persistent VDI pools while ensuring session control and performance for a user base of up to 500. Focus on security, usa...

Maryland, USRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$75K - $100K *

Join the charge in supporting our enterprise IT environment by managing user identities, deploying applications, and troubleshooting complex issues across hybrid infrastructures. Leverage your experti...

Downers Grove, ILRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$192K - $215K *

Drive strategic growth by leading a high-performing team to enhance customer success and revenue in key accounts, aligning regional strategies with corporate goals while fostering strong relationships...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Elevate your career as a technical leader, architecting scalable systems and driving DevOps initiatives. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance product reliability and mentor engineers while en...

Nye, MTRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Architect and enhance scalable infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines, collaborating across engineering teams to implement innovative cloud technologies and open-source solutions for optimal product deliv...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$320K - $405K *

Champion best-in-class hardware repairs across global data centers, ensuring efficient turnaround and quality standards. Drive scalable processes, manage vendor relationships, and analyze failure tren...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Empower our Digital team as a Senior Software Engineer, driving full stack development and modernization initiatives. Collaborate closely to enhance our Digital Banking platform, architecting new APIs...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in deploying and maintaining advanced technical surveillance tools. Collaborate with investigators to support critical operations, ensuring effective evidence collection while managing...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$135K - $160K *

Architect secure, resilient AI infrastructure by developing advanced decentralized systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure performance, reliability, and data privacy in diverse environments, while...

Austin, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $500K *

Oversee project coordination and delivery timelines, bridging technical expertise with leadership to ensure efficient collaboration and successful execution of key initiatives within a dynamic develop...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Champion the successful delivery of customer projects through all phases, ensuring alignment with business goals by coordinating teams and resources while managing risks and transacting key communicat...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$232K - $319K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by leading a dynamic team of Solutions Engineers. Drive partner engagement, foster relationships, and execute strategic initiatives to enhance per...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $180K *

Elevate compliance standards by leading a dynamic team focused on regulatory adherence, risk assessment, and process improvement. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance compliance testing and suppo...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI solutions by deploying and integrating cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with customers and engineers to enhance system performance and drive innovatio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $185K *

Empower clients by leveraging deep ONESOURCE Direct Tax expertise to design innovative solutions using AI and automation tools. Engage directly with customers, manage projects, and drive efficiency wh...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

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.