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.
$95K - $115K *
Empower security by integrating robust controls into development pipelines, ensuring the protection of enterprise systems and applications through automation and continuous testing, while enhancing ov...
2 weeks ago
Security Engineer, Vulnerability Management & Security Operations
$120K - $145K *
Lead our vulnerability management and security operations program, shaping it from the ground up. Collaborate with a small Trust team to enhance our security posture and ensure compliance while automa...
5 days ago
Security Engineer, Vulnerability Management & Security Operations
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in shaping our vulnerability management and security operations program. Collaborate with a dedicated Trust team to enhance our security posture and ensure compliance while driving aut...
5 days ago
Principal Network Security Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of advanced network security solutions across a large enterprise environment, enhancing security posture and resilience while guiding a team o...
1 week ago
Cybersecurity Solution Architect
$110K - $130K *
Transform cybersecurity landscapes by architecting tailored solutions that address customer challenges, enhance security maturity, and drive business outcomes through collaboration with diverse stakeh...
1 week ago
Mobile Threat Analyst / Active Secret
$104K - $166K *
Elevate your expertise in mobile threat analysis by conducting advanced forensic investigations and assessments. Collaborate with a skilled team to protect critical systems against evolving cyber thre...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity solutions by collaborating with sales to identify prospects, educate clients, and drive technical engagements, ensuring organizations are protec...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate customer security by leveraging your expertise in engineering and pre-sales. Collaborate with sales to provide tailored solutions that address complex challenges, engage with clients, and demo...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage with sales teams to identify prospects and demonstrate solutions that enhance organizational security. Educate clients on challenges and drive meetings to provide tailored solutions, ensuring e...
1 week ago
$168K - $198K *
Advance organizational security by collaborating with sales, delivering tailored solutions, and educating clients on effective strategies to mitigate threats and enhance operations through innovation...
Reposted 1 week ago
Network DevOps Developer - Ansible
$66K - $106K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your expertise in network automation and DevOps practices to design, develop, and support enterprise network infrastructure solutions across multiple teams, enhancing op...
5 days ago
Senior TPM, Vulnerability Management, AVMS
$148K - $201K *
Optimize security operations by leading AVMS remediation programs, driving strategic direction, and collaborating with engineering teams to enhance processes and manage risks effectively across comple...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by supporting critical cybersecurity initiatives for the Air Force. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance system security, manage vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance in a f...
3 weeks ago
Senior Quantitative Researcher
$150K - $180K *
Champion the development of cutting-edge ML detection models, transforming research into production-ready solutions. Collaborate with a high-caliber team to architect scalable systems that enhance sec...
2 weeks ago
Information System Security Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Innovate in security engineering by assessing and mitigating vulnerabilities in complex systems to protect sensitive information, ensuring compliance with stringent Information Assurance standards and...
Reposted 1 week ago
Manager, Product Security and Trust
$150K - $200K *
Shape the future of product security by leading application security initiatives, embedding testing into development workflows, and ensuring regulatory compliance while fostering a culture of collabor...
4 weeks ago
CyberArk Architecture L3 Specialist
$110K - $130K *
Optimize CyberArk infrastructure by designing and migrating systems with minimal disruption. Leverage architecture expertise and hands-on skills to ensure security and operational stability in a compl...
1 week ago
Software Engineer supporting Red and Blue Teams
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team of software engineers dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity. Contribute to innovative solutions for Red and Blue Teams while advancing your skills in a supportive environment focuse...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Create and execute a comprehensive training strategy to develop a skilled, safety-focused workforce for global data center operations, ensuring operational excellence and compliance through innovative...
1 week ago
Software Engineer supporting Red and Blue Teams
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team of software engineers focused on cybersecurity. Collaborate on innovative solutions for Red and Blue Teams while advancing your skills in a supportive enviro...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $160K *
Champion cybersecurity excellence by conducting assessments, ensuring compliance, and enhancing system security for critical defense operations. Collaborate with experts to safeguard national interest...
1 week ago
Cyber Threat (Forensics) Analyst, Senior Associate
$104K - $166K *
Explore cutting-edge challenges as a Cyber Threat Analyst, conducting in-depth digital forensic examinations to support criminal and national security investigations. Collaborate with a dynamic team a...
4 days ago
Application Programmer/QA Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Optimize scientific research applications by providing programming and QA support. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance legacy systems, implement DevSecOps practices, and ensure complian...
1 week ago
Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst, Hacks
$110K - $130K *
Manage the end-to-end response to security incidents, ensuring rapid visibility of hacks, coordinating teams, maintaining data accuracy, and leveraging AI for enhanced analysis and attribution, all wh...
3 weeks ago
Staff Enterprise Security Engineer
$170K - $245K *
Build your expertise in enterprise security engineering, architecting advanced threat detection and response systems while collaborating across teams. Play a key role in safeguarding innovative softwa...
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.