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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$95K - $115K *

Lead the protection of IT and OT identities, assets, and data, ensuring proactive security monitoring and risk management while collaborating on incident response and security infrastructure optimizat...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing automation testing for critical software. You'll collaborate across teams to design, develop, and integrate automated tests, driving efficiency in release cyc...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $139K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing IT security by managing and deploying advanced security controls. Collaborate with experts to protect King County services from threats while improving operat...

6 days ago

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

$111K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team as Legal Counsel, delivering strategic legal guidance throughout the customer lifecycle. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive business success whil...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $193K *

Drive the design and execution of innovative consulting services, ensuring high-quality content delivery and alignment with portfolio strategy while mentoring team members and engaging with customers...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $193K *

Shape the future of Professional Services by leading the design and execution of innovative consulting offerings, ensuring high-quality content delivery while mentoring team members and aligning with...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $135K *

Take ownership of cybersecurity initiatives by supporting C4ISR security engineering and risk management activities. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance system security and ensure compliance ac...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $130K *

Empower mission-critical defense initiatives by supporting cybersecurity and information systems security engineering efforts, ensuring robust security posture and compliance across C4ISR systems whil...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$66K - $105K *

Elevate your career by ensuring data security and privacy while collaborating on diverse security projects. Utilize your expertise to implement controls, assess risks, and maintain secure system confi...

Reposted yesterday

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

$66K - $105K *

Lead the charge in safeguarding corporate data by implementing robust security measures, conducting risk assessments, and collaborating with teams to ensure system integrity and compliance across dive...

Reposted yesterday

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

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity in higher education by delivering expert assessments, advisory services, and tailored remediation plans that empower institutions to enhance their security posture an...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

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

$112K - $137K *

Empower quality assurance in software development by designing and executing test plans, automating processes, and collaborating with teams to enhance product reliability and performance across divers...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $210K *

Empower the Signals platform by leading security testing and AI-driven automation. You'll close gaps in vendor engagement and establish a robust foundation for future growth, ensuring security and eff...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing FAA applications through automation testing. You'll provide engineering support, develop test scripts, and ensure software reliability while collaborating in...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Accelerate progress at securing cloud environments by designing robust guardrails and automation. Collaborate with engineering teams to embed security into CI/CD pipelines and ensure compliance across...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$86K - $138K *

Transform complex defense systems through innovative testing and integration. Lead collaborative efforts with military and contractor teams to ensure fleet readiness and capability expansion while ada...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $110K *

Transform enterprise security by optimizing the Tanium platform. Collaborate with teams to enhance endpoint visibility, manage vulnerabilities, and drive operational efficiencies in complex environmen...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$126K - $176K *

Empower our cybersecurity efforts by leading a comprehensive Vulnerability Management program. Collaborate across teams to identify, assess, and remediate vulnerabilities, ensuring robust protection f...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$80K - $128K *

Elevate your career as a DFIR Analyst, conducting cyber data analytics, leading detection technologies, and enhancing security measures. Collaborate with IT teams to protect assets and support inciden...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $150K *

Transform security operations by managing the security toolchain and ensuring PCI compliance. Collaborate with teams to execute access reviews and respond to incidents, while maintaining a strong focu...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$100K - $150K *

Join the team to enhance security measures and ensure compliance. You'll manage security tools and access reviews, while driving PCI compliance and incident response initiatives, ensuring the organiza...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$125K - $150K *

Drive secure network segmentation by designing and managing compliant architectures. Leverage advanced security tools to ensure policy-driven connectivity across global environments while leading oper...

Georgia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$87K - $106K *

Lead the charge in developing and implementing electrical testing programs, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance. Oversee training, troubleshooting, and project management while collaboratin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $150K *

Lead the planning and execution of cyber training exercises to enhance operational readiness across DoD stakeholders. Collaborate with internal and external teams to ensure alignment with military tra...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$140K - $150K *

Join a mission-critical team to enhance national defense through cyber training exercises, ensuring operational readiness across DoD stakeholders. Lead planning, coordination, and execution of trainin...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

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.