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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$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

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Drive operational excellence by owning the Professional Services intake and workflow governance processes, ensuring efficient request management and seamless team collaboration to enhance service deli...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

$140K - $215K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of cyber investigations, leading a skilled pod to combat AI misuse. Drive complex attribution, mentor investigators, and enhance automated detection models while en...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$195K - $307K *

Drive cross-organizational alignment and optimize engineering operations as a trusted advisor to leadership. Leverage deep technical expertise to evaluate complex architectures and ensure strategic in...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $100K *

Champion scientific innovation by developing SST datasets and algorithms with a team of experts. Leverage your skills in remote sensing and programming languages to enhance cloud masking and retrieval...

College Park, MDRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Shape and build infrastructure trust systems, ensuring secure and reliable operations at scale. Collaborate with multiple teams to create resilient solutions that support machine identity, attestation...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of cutting-edge test automation solutions, leveraging JavaScript and Python to enhance scalability, quality, and speed in the software develop...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$119K - $150K *

Shape the future of enterprise application integrations by leading technical design and implementation for Finance, Accounting, and Supply Chain projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$99K - $120K *

Join a team that's pivotal in executing large-scale data center projects. As a Lead Field Technician, you'll coordinate trades, manage field crews, and ensure safety and quality standards are met, dri...

Atlanta, GARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $110K *

Innovate and enhance software solutions in a dynamic SaaS environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain high-quality applications while driving continuous impro...

Puerto Rico, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $135K *

Lead the technology strategy for a dynamic software development team, overseeing modernization efforts and AI integration across multiple product lines. Foster innovation, accountability, and continuo...

Georgia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$133K - $184K *

Join a team that's enhancing threat detection and response capabilities. As a hands-on technical leader, you'll drive security initiatives across cloud, infrastructure, and identity platforms, while m...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Drive quality assurance initiatives by overseeing computer system validation processes, ensuring compliance with GxP regulations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance validation pr...

Kentucky, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $105K *

Shape financial performance by partnering with leadership, optimizing processes, and ensuring compliance across multiple lines of business within a dynamic environment. Drive strategic insights, impro...

Ontario, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $220K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering service delivery for legal and professional clients. Lead a dynamic organization focused on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and continuous improv...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$97K - $137K *

Transform quality assurance processes by leading automation testing initiatives, mentoring teams, and developing strategic test plans to ensure robust web-based applications meet user requirements and...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $117K *

Champion software quality by analyzing healthcare data, developing test cases, and executing both manual and automated tests. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with clinical...

Connecticut, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $118K *

Explore a pivotal role in enhancing operational technology solutions for Army facilities. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure system security, reliability, and compliance while supporting moderni...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Elevate employee and contractor payouts by managing end-to-end execution. Collaborate with engineering and partners to enhance payment methods while ensuring quality and reliability in a high-trust en...

New York City, NYRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Elevate data privacy standards by leading a comprehensive privacy program. Collaborate across teams to integrate privacy-by-design principles, enhance data governance, and ensure compliance while enab...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.