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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$302K - $336K *
Lead the charge in defining and delivering a multi-year Zero Trust architecture, driving engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration to enhance security across diverse systems and teams...
1 week ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform customer cybersecurity needs into scalable solutions by partnering with sales teams. Lead discovery, develop architectures, and support opportunities from qualification to close, ensuring al...
2 weeks ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$180K - $215K *
Partner with us to drive cybersecurity solutions by engaging with clients, assessing their needs, and designing scalable architectures. Collaborate with sales and technical teams to ensure effective i...
2 weeks ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Engage as a trusted advisor in cybersecurity, collaborating with sales teams to identify customer needs, develop scalable solutions, and lead technical discussions, ensuring alignment between security...
2 weeks ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform customer cybersecurity needs into scalable solutions by collaborating with sales teams and leading technical discussions. Leverage your expertise to design architectures, support presentatio...
2 weeks ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Shape cybersecurity solutions by collaborating with sales teams and clients to identify needs, develop architectures, and deliver tailored recommendations. Leverage your expertise to drive technical v...
3 weeks ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Contribute to cybersecurity solutions by partnering with sales teams to assess customer needs, develop scalable architectures, and deliver technical presentations. Engage with stakeholders to ensure e...
3 weeks ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$180K - $215K *
Champion cybersecurity solutions by collaborating with sales teams to assess customer needs, design scalable architectures, and deliver impactful presentations, ensuring alignment between technology a...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $310K *
Pioneer robust security measures by integrating them into development practices, enabling seamless scaling while ensuring the protection of data and infrastructure. Collaborate cross-functionally to b...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $175K *
Transform client network security by leading architecture design and implementation. Oversee multi-project engagements, assess risks, and deliver tailored solutions while mentoring team members and co...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Okta IAM / Identity Integration Engineer
$66K - $106K *
Join a dynamic team to design and implement secure identity solutions using Okta, ensuring compliance with DoD standards while enhancing authentication processes across high-visibility systems in a fu...
Yesterday
$128K - $225K *
Join a team that's dedicated to integrating security into software and hardware development. You'll automate security processes, collaborate with engineers, and enhance system integrity while ensuring...
Yesterday
Security Testing Engineer, US Amazon Dedicated Cloud Security
$159K - $202K *
Unlock potential by executing security tests and assessments for critical U.S. Government systems. Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to document findings, support remediation efforts, and en...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in adversarial privacy assessments, uncovering vulnerabilities within products and guiding organizational privacy strategy through cross-functional collaboration and technical innovati...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $170K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing climate technology by conducting rigorous system-level testing of Direct Air Capture systems, optimizing performance, and translating findings into actionable insigh...
3 weeks ago
Senior Product Security Engineer
$123K - $211K *
Innovate security measures for next-gen sensor platforms, ensuring robust protection throughout the product lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate security into architecture...
2 days ago
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures Practitioner
$114K - $190K *
Lead the charge in enhancing security through advanced Technical Surveillance Countermeasures, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with national policies while providing expert guidan...
5 days ago
$135K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to drive advanced threat hunting strategies, mentor global security teams, and develop innovative cybersecurity scenarios. Leverage your expertise in incident response and AI to en...
5 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Champion secure operations in classified environments by overseeing compliance and risk management. Collaborate with government officials to maintain secure facilities and ensure mission success throu...
Reposted today
$120K - $150K *
Drive compliance and security operations for classified programs, overseeing personnel security, material management, and SCIF operations. Serve as liaison for regulatory adherence and risk management...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Champion the development and maintenance of compliance applications, enhancing financial institutions' ability to meet AML standards through effective screening and data management solutions...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion security excellence by leading initiatives to enhance IT solutions, ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of information assets while driving secure business growth throug...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $150K *
Tackle advanced fault analysis of silicon devices to deliver top-notch results. Dive deep into imaging techniques while collaborating with a high-performing team to meet client needs and drive innovat...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $144K *
Develop and execute comprehensive test strategies to ensure software quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify defects and drive continuous improvement in QA processes, enhancing us...
2 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Agent Engineer
$100K - $250K *
As an Agent Engineer at Cogent Security, you will design, build, and deploy AI agents that enhance security operations in complex environments. This role involves working closely with customers to tai...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
What is a penetration tester?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.