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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$63K - $129K *

Transform security operations by automating ICAM workflows and enhancing Zero Trust policies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build secure, scalable solutions that strengthen enterprise sec...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K *

Join a team that's enhancing zTPF environments by providing technical expertise, automating processes, and ensuring reliable operations. Collaborate across teams to tackle challenges and improve perfo...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$82K - $172K *

Design and implement innovative AI solutions, guiding pilot programs from conception to execution while collaborating across teams to enhance system capabilities and performance in a dynamic environme...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Bring your expertise to the forefront of healthcare by leading innovative audit concepts and collaborating cross-functionally to uncover billing errors and optimize claims accuracy in payment processe...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$220K - $250K *

Drive the product roadmap for Unify Release Orchestration, enhancing developer experience while coordinating releases across multiple services, engaging customers, and leading initiatives for AI-nativ...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing data quality and governance. Contribute to building robust data platforms and ensure reliable data-driven decision-making through effective testing and automa...

Georgia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $195K *

Drive innovation by developing and maintaining Linux kernel features, collaborating with hardware teams, and contributing to the upstream community. Own projects from definition to deployment while me...

Vancouver, BCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$100K - $300K *

Transform the infrastructure for AI applications, enabling seamless app development, hosting, and integration. Drive innovation in a dynamic environment, impacting thousands of users with scalable, re...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $189K *

Elevate your career as you design, implement, and maintain SAP security roles across various platforms while ensuring compliance and optimizing security frameworks in a collaborative environment...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $195K *

Empower enterprise clients by managing strategic relationships, driving revenue growth, and aligning solutions with business objectives. Lead cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional outcomes and...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$225K - $281K *

Shape the future of application security by leading strategy and initiatives across teams. Drive secure design and standards, mentor engineers, and tackle complex security challenges in a collaborativ...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$75K - $158K *

Accelerate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on transforming logistics and finance through SAP S/4HANA. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure quality and reliability in...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $130K *

Champion global expansion initiatives by managing the FedRAMP program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project timelines and deliverables are met while navigating a fast-paced enviro...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Unlock potential by leading complex cyber investigations, mentoring junior analysts, and analyzing sophisticated threats to safeguard AI systems from misuse. Drive impactful decisions and enhance safe...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $175K *

Drive the design and implementation of secure data ingestion pipelines using Cribl and Splunk, optimizing performance and cost efficiency while ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards and col...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $140K *

Drive your career with a hands-on role that bridges technical deployment, integration, and customer engagement. Collaborate with teams to deliver tailored solutions, troubleshoot complex issues, and e...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $89K *

Transform the user experience by providing expert technical support for hardware, software, and systems integration. Collaborate with internal teams and external users to enhance IT solutions and ensu...

Madison, WIRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$148K - $222K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior Solutions Engineer, driving sales success by leveraging technical expertise to address customer needs and deliver innovative F5 solutions. Collaborate with teams to e...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $230K *

Empower your career by leveraging your expertise in OT/IoT security to drive innovative solutions. Collaborate with clients and sales teams to enhance cybersecurity offerings and deliver impactful pre...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$96K - $184K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative OT/IoT security solutions, collaborating with clients to enhance their cybersecurity posture while developing new service offerings that align with business ob...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$96K - $184K *

Unlock potential by serving as a customer-facing security expert, guiding clients through OT/IoT security projects. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance security offerings and drive business objec...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $230K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative OT/IoT security solutions while collaborating with clients to enhance their cybersecurity posture. Utilize your expertise to educate teams and develop new serv...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $190K *

Lead the charge in combating cyber-enabled fraud by investigating complex threats, analyzing digital signals, and collaborating across teams to enhance detection and risk mitigation strategies...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $110K *

Champion growth by leveraging your engineering expertise to drive sales, build relationships, and expand market presence in a dynamic territory. Collaborate with teams to create impactful strategies a...

St. Paul, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead and innovate sales strategies to drive revenue growth in the Gov/Ed sector. Collaborate with teams to enhance market share, develop strong partnerships, and ensure alignment across sales processe...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks 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.