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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$119K - $139K *

Champion the development of innovative data solutions, leveraging Azure pipelines to create robust data assets. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate complex requirements into effective technical...

North Liberty, IARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $140K *

Join a team that's driving project success by leading technical initiatives, resolving complex challenges, and aligning outcomes with client objectives. Your expertise will enhance profitability and o...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $125K *

Drive the deployment of healthcare technology across multiple VA facilities, coordinating projects and ensuring readiness. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage timelines, resolve issues, and deliv...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$320K - $405K *

Drive the commissioning and delivery of new data center capacity, ensuring seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Lead third-party partnerships and optimize processes fo...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$224K - $431K *

Champion the advancement of open-source Linux kernel support for NVIDIA GPUs. Collaborate with global teams to develop virtualization features in Rust and C, driving technical proposals and enhancing...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Drive the vision for a high-impact Data Engineering Practice, leading strategy, P&L, talent, and client engagement to transform enterprise data into strategic assets and AI-ready infrastructure...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Innovate and manage large-scale commercial programs, driving cross-functional alignment and revenue growth. Lead end-to-end program development, ensuring operational excellence and strategic execution...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $190K *

Empower our team to drive innovation by developing crucial AI tools that enhance operational efficiency. Oversee governance, training, and metrics to ensure impactful adoption across departments while...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative scientific software for MPAS infrastructure, enhancing model integration and performance across HPC platforms while collaborating with diverse teams to advance...

College Park, MDRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$66K - $106K *

Lead the charge in producing federal species range maps, ensuring compliance with FWS standards. Collaborate with government SMEs to integrate marine and anadromous species data, enhancing ESA researc...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $135K *

Lead the design and integration of Fiserv DNA core banking solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, automated systems th...

Burbank, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Transform digital experiences for military families by developing secure, responsive websites and applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user engagement and accessibility whi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $110K *

Champion strategic sales growth by building partnerships in Humanities and Social Sciences. Drive courseware adoption and deliver innovative solutions that enhance learner outcomes and institutional s...

Las Vegas, NVRemote

4 days ago

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

$85K - $110K *

Unlock your potential by driving strategic sales growth in Humanities and Social Sciences education. Collaborate with faculty and stakeholders to deliver innovative learning solutions that enhance stu...

Portland, ORRemote

4 days ago

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

$85K - $110K *

Unlock potential by driving strategic sales growth in Humanities and Social Sciences education. Collaborate with faculty and stakeholders to deliver innovative learning solutions that enhance student...

Denver, CORemote

4 days ago

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

$81K - $137K *

Join a dynamic team as you orchestrate software releases, ensuring seamless deployment across environments. Leverage your DevOps expertise and project management skills to enhance efficiency and relia...

State College, PARemote

1 week ago

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

$100K - $125K *

Optimize security operations by triaging and investigating alerts, mitigating cyber threats effectively. Join a dedicated team to enhance your analyst skills while actively protecting organizations fr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to leading tax processes and delivering technical expertise while mentoring staff, managing client relationships, and driving strategic growth in a collaborative environme...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative solutions as a Solutions Architect, guiding teams and customers through technical challenges while maximizing mission impact and enhancing customer experiences...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$315K - $370K *

Join a team that's redefining offensive security by leading engineering efforts to transform research into scalable, customer-facing products. Drive strategy, execution, and innovation across multiple...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Execute project development and implementation, managing budgets, schedules, and vendor tasks while ensuring quality standards and fostering collaboration across teams and clients...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$162K - $211K *

Join a dynamic engineering team to build and maintain production platforms, driving architectural decisions and mentoring junior engineers while ensuring system reliability and integration with IT Sec...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$153K - $228K *

Architect scalable HR technology solutions by translating business needs into effective strategies. Collaborate with HR and IT to enhance processes across the employee lifecycle, ensuring alignment wi...

Norfolk, VARemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $145K *

Elevate your career by investigating complex electrical failures, providing expert analyses, and collaborating with a national team in a dynamic, remote environment. Drive results for diverse clients...

Washington, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $125K *

Lead the charge in driving enterprise sales by developing strategic pipelines, managing key accounts, and collaborating with channel partners to exceed quotas and foster growth in a dynamic cybersecur...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 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.