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 *

Drive impactful digital forensics and incident response initiatives, leading investigations and client engagements. Utilize deep technical expertise to analyze security breaches, ensuring timely and e...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$104K - $166K *

Transform the security landscape by providing expert information assurance support for cloud-hosted systems. Collaborate with Agile teams to enhance security protocols and ensure compliance with feder...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$157K - $236K *

Shape the future of software security by conducting advanced vulnerability analyses using AI tools. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance system resilience and present critical insights on software...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Elevate cybersecurity standards by enforcing security controls across multiple environments, supporting compliance initiatives, and driving continuous improvement for robust information security manag...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$171K - $245K *

Reimagine threat detection by leading research on adversary behavior in Endpoint and Cloud environments. Drive innovation through actionable insights, shaping product strategy and enhancing security m...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$171K - $245K *

Drive innovative threat research by analyzing adversary behavior across Endpoint and Cloud environments. Your expertise will shape detection strategies, influence product development, and enhance secu...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$171K - $245K *

Join us as a Principal Threat Researcher, where you'll analyze adversary behavior, develop detection methodologies, and drive innovation in cybersecurity. Your expertise will shape product strategy an...

Bellevue, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $281K *

Transform Cyber Defense by leading cross-functional initiatives, enhancing operational maturity, and driving post-incident learning. Collaborate with executives to define metrics, improve decision-mak...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$154K - $231K *

Unlock the potential of cybersecurity by leading vulnerability research and reverse engineering efforts. Drive technical planning and mentor a team while developing innovative exploits for complex com...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of security engineering by embedding robust practices into development. Collaborate with engineers to enhance platform security, automate compliance, and build scalable tools that emp...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $300K *

Unlock potential by securing and enhancing cloud infrastructure, managing identity access, and leading incident response. This hands-on role involves building detection systems and ensuring compliance...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform enterprise security by managing AppGate SDP implementations, architecting identity-centric policies, and integrating ZTNA tools. Lead a team to ensure compliance and operational excellence i...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$155K - $175K *

Shape secure environments by configuring, deploying, and optimizing Linux and Windows systems. Collaborate on infrastructure management, security operations, and compliance documentation to enhance cy...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$147K - $167K *

Lead the charge in conducting security audits and assessments, ensuring compliance with DoD and IC cybersecurity policies while managing the JWICS Connection Approval Program and collaborating with st...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading endpoint management and security initiatives. Drive zero touch deployment, mentor IT support, and ensure compliance across devices in a dynamic, collaborative environment...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $160K *

Lead a high-performing Network Security Engineering team, guiding security initiatives and mentoring engineers while ensuring robust security practices across infrastructure and product lifecycles...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$99K - $206K *

Unlock potential by leading full stack development for advanced cybersecurity solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance web applications, optimize performance, and ensure secure co...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by bridging development and security, ensuring rapid and compliant software delivery. This role focuses on automating security within CI/CD pipelines, enhancing infrastructure, and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$188K - $242K *

Shape the future of secure software development by integrating security into CI/CD pipelines, automating vulnerability management, and collaborating with engineering teams to create a safer coding env...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$191K - $293K *

Explore the future of security by leading vulnerability research efforts, enhancing software defenses, and streamlining remediation processes to protect critical networks from emerging threats...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $155K *

Optimize enterprise security by providing expert solutions for web application vulnerabilities. Collaborate with development and security teams to enhance risk management practices and streamline secu...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $155K *

Drive enterprise security by providing expertise in web application vulnerabilities. Collaborate with teams to enhance security posture through proactive solutions, process automation, and effective c...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $310K *

Lead the charge in end-to-end testing of AI-powered security products, combining test automation and offensive security expertise to ensure quality and safety across SaaS and on-premises deployments...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $190K *

Lead the charge in architecting cutting-edge DevOps solutions for vital federal IT projects, integrating security and automation with Agile methodologies to enhance mission-critical infrastructure and...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $138K *

Partner with us to enhance IT services and cybersecurity, ensuring operational efficiency and security across diverse technologies. Lead initiatives, manage vendor relationships, and support teams in...

Surrey, BCIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.