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 *

Elevate your career by managing product sales strategies, collaborating with diverse teams to drive profitability and foster customer relationships while utilizing technical expertise in a fast-paced...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $125K *

Elevate your career by mastering data governance and engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design automated pipelines, ensuring data accuracy and integrity across systems while drivi...

Wrangell, AKRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining payroll solutions by leading Oracle Cloud HCM implementations. Collaborate with stakeholders to design scalable, best-practice solutions while mentoring teams and ensurin...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $145K *

Transform complex data into actionable insights by leveraging your ML engineering expertise and research mindset. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and deploy high-quality models acro...

New York City, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$82K - $123K *

Drive innovative software solutions by integrating AI capabilities and enhancing user experiences. Collaborate with teams to develop, test, and implement applications, ensuring quality and efficiency...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$62K - $99K *

Join a dynamic team to perform critical inspections on aerospace components, ensuring compliance with stringent quality standards. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to drive continuous imp...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $110K *

Champion strategic sales growth by driving courseware adoption and delivering innovative learning solutions in Humanities and Social Sciences. Build trusted relationships and leverage data-driven insi...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

4 days ago

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

$85K - $110K *

Transform educational outcomes by driving strategic sales growth in Humanities and Social Sciences. Build trusted partnerships, leverage data-driven insights, and deliver innovative learning solutions...

Boise, IDRemote

4 days ago

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

$85K - $110K *

Help us drive strategic sales growth in Humanities and Social Sciences by building trusted relationships, delivering innovative learning solutions, and achieving sales targets through a blend of virtu...

Seattle, WARemote

Reposted 4 days ago

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

$85K - $110K *

Drive strategic sales growth by fostering partnerships in Humanities and Social Sciences. Collaborate with faculty to deliver tailored solutions, advancing learner outcomes and institutional success t...

Austin, TXRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$85K - $110K *

Drive strategic sales growth in Humanities and Social Sciences by building relationships and executing innovative solutions to enhance learner outcomes and institutional success...

San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$85K - $110K *

Engage with educational institutions to identify needs and deliver innovative sales solutions. Drive sales growth through a blend of in-house and field work, leveraging data and market intelligence to...

Orlando, FLRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$116K - $151K *

Take ownership of the Knowledge & Enablement function, driving strategy and execution to enhance self-service effectiveness and agent performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure imp...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $185K *

Join a team that's transforming the Space ecosystem by driving strategic acquisition efforts. You'll lead capture initiatives, engage stakeholders, and develop win strategies that bolster national sec...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$82K - $123K *

Unlock potential by designing and developing innovative software solutions while leading projects, mentoring junior developers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams in a dynamic Agile environ...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $190K *

Lead and mentor a team of Program Managers to drive strategic data center builds, ensuring seamless execution and stakeholder alignment while navigating complex infrastructure challenges in a high-gro...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$77K - $118K *

Join a dynamic team to manage long haul fiber projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budgets while coordinating with vendors and stakeholders to meet customer expectations and operational...

Colorado, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$147K - $190K *

Lead the charge in defining and guiding enterprise architecture across product systems and business applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate strategy into actionable designs...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive incident response excellence by coordinating complex IT incidents, fostering cross-team collaboration, and producing clear, executive-ready communications to mitigate mission impact and enhance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$124K - $198K *

Empower enterprise customers through tailored security insights and proactive support. Collaborate with teams to enhance application security, provide mentorship, and maintain strong relationships, en...

Boston, MARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $175K *

Drive the integration of AI tools into a secure cloud platform for capital markets, ensuring compliance and security while collaborating with top law firms and engineering teams to enhance document wo...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive integration excellence by designing and maintaining enterprise integration platforms, middleware, and APIs. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless data flows and robust security in a comple...

Washington, DCRemote

4 days ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Champion client success by leading strategic initiatives and fostering relationships. Drive operational excellence and proactive support for diverse client needs while ensuring quality service and per...

Charlotte, NCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Innovate incident response by leveraging AI and human expertise to enhance threat detection, investigation, and containment across a dynamic cloud environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by leading a team in the installation and maintenance of telecommunication systems. Oversee project execution, ensure quality control, and mentor junior technicians while managing...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.