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 *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and maintain scalable security data pipelines, ensuring accurate telemetry ingestion and compliance with governance standards for enhanced cybersecuri...

Charlotte, NCRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$103K - $140K *

Engage in advanced cybersecurity incident response, leading investigations and recovery efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security posture and document findings, ensuring org...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$107K - $204K *

Lead the charge in designing and enhancing enterprise content management solutions using OpenText Documentum. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, scalable, and compliant documen...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Unlock the potential of IT modernization by crafting compelling executive briefings. Collaborate with technical teams to translate cloud infrastructure insights into clear narratives for government le...

Ashburn, VARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $181K *

Create impactful technical solutions in military electrification projects. Collaborate with defense clients and provide expertise throughout the proposal process, ensuring compliance and mission effec...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$175K - $251K *

Lead the charge in transforming customer experiences through innovative cloud security solutions, leveraging your expertise to craft tailored technical presentations and solutions that drive strategic...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Empower quality assurance excellence by leading inspections across North America, ensuring critical infrastructure meets project standards. Collaborate with suppliers and teams to mitigate risks and d...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Inspire customer success by bridging technical expertise with client-facing roles. Guide complex product implementations and integrations, ensuring high-quality support and solutions tailored to diver...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead the secure architecture direction for a cloud-native financial platform, ensuring robust security controls and hands-on implementation while guiding teams to enhance security posture and reduce r...

Plano, TXRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$150K - $180K *

Unlock the potential of complex AWS engagements by anchoring architecture across delivery, security, and client relations. Become the key strategist who connects technical design to business excellenc...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform customer engagements by owning solution direction across multiple accounts. Drive platform adoption, orchestrate delivery teams, and shape opportunities to ensure measurable value and long-t...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$105K - $141K *

Innovate knowledge management strategies to enhance technical sales effectiveness, leveraging expertise to develop scalable resources and foster cross-functional collaboration, ultimately driving heig...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$82K - $103K *

Engage in impactful cybersecurity initiatives by supporting GRC tasks, conducting risk assessments, and collaborating with teams to enhance compliance and governance practices. Develop your expertise...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$136K - $170K *

Drive impactful infrastructure solutions by collaborating with engineering teams to resolve blockers, execute migrations, and develop tooling. Leverage your expertise to enhance platform adoption and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$132K - $165K *

Shape the future of billing and collections by driving product strategy and enhancing user experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable payment solutions that boost revenue...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$105K - $231K *

Take ownership of Okta-based IAM solutions, driving design, integration, and optimization to support mission-critical operations. Collaborate, automate workflows, and implement security enhancements e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$142K - $178K *

Shape the future of technology storytelling by crafting compelling narratives that highlight innovation and AI. Collaborate with leaders to elevate Mercury's brand through integrated communications, e...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by driving technical integration and validation for Ambient AI Scribe initiatives. Collaborate with clinical teams to enhance workflows, troubleshoot issues, and ensure operational re...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Take ownership of the Microsoft Security Solutions area, driving strategy and sales execution. Lead cross-functional teams to optimize performance, align priorities, and translate market opportunities...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $125K *

Unlock your potential as you design and maintain enterprise identity governance solutions, enhancing cybersecurity and automating identity processes while collaborating with stakeholders to ensure com...

San Antonio, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$152K - $287K *

Engineer robust policy verification features for AI governance, ensuring accurate policy decisions and reliable integrations. Collaborate with security engineers to deliver production-ready components...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$184K - $230K *

Shape the future of product security by leading architecture reviews and risk mitigation strategies. Collaborate with engineering and compliance teams to embed security throughout the development life...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$152K - $179K *

Develop and implement security solutions to protect corporate infrastructure, user devices, and applications. Collaborate with IT and engineering teams to identify risks and enhance security measures...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$145K - $218K *

Engage with strategic customers to deploy and enhance SRE Agent capabilities, driving adoption and value through hands-on integration and development of AI-assisted incident management solutions...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovations in Risk Operations by optimizing processes and integrating automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and drive measurable improvements in operation...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.