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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$85K - $95K *

Join a team that's integral to planning and executing cyber exercises, supporting all phases of the Joint Exercise Life Cycle. Collaborate with senior planners to develop scenarios and coordinate logi...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $155K *

Champion the security of cutting-edge AI infrastructure by architecting robust monitoring and response systems that protect networks, systems, and applications while enabling seamless innovation acros...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity through proactive threat intelligence analysis, collaborating across functions to mitigate risks and improve defenses against evolving cyber thr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's building a secure, reliable AI infrastructure. Drive innovative solutions, create a locked-down execution environment, and ensure data integrity as you help shape foundational techn...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Drive the development and execution of automated tests for integration and performance, ensuring quality and reliability in software delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testin...

Chicago, ILRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in fracture mechanics engineering, driving client relationships and technical assessments while ensuring safety and quality in oil and gas operations. Mentor peers and deliver exceptio...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$127K - $133K *

Elevate your career by managing vulnerability remediation in cloud environments. Collaborate with technical teams to analyze security risks, prioritize vulnerabilities, and implement effective solutio...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance cybersecurity measures, monitor threats, and ensure compliance with RMF standards. Collaborate with technical teams to conduct investigations and optimize security proce...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $175K *

Shape technical innovation by leading cross-team efforts in system architecture and development. Drive scalable improvements, mentor peers, and influence business outcomes while ensuring long-term mai...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Engage with clients to build and maintain bespoke full stack applications, balancing technical expertise with customer empathy. Drive product decisions from discovery to implementation while fostering...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to building bespoke full stack applications, balancing technical expertise with customer empathy. Drive product decisions and collaborate closely with clients to deliver i...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Empower our network infrastructure by designing, deploying, and managing corporate and datacenter networks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reliability, security, and scalability wh...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$179K - $318K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity within Special Access Programs. You'll lead a skilled group, ensuring compliance with NIST standards while providing expert consultation and ris...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$259K - $388K *

Elevate your career by driving the architecture and strategy for cutting-edge AI security and delivery platforms, ensuring high-performance and secure traffic management across hybrid cloud environmen...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$259K - $388K *

Shape the future of AI security and delivery by architecting resilient, high-performance systems that optimize enterprise workloads across hybrid cloud environments, driving innovation and technical e...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive your career with opportunities to manage IAM solutions, collaborate with diverse teams, and ensure security compliance through innovative identity and access management strategies across the org...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$90K - $115K *

Deliver proactive cybersecurity solutions by designing, building, and maintaining robust security measures. Collaborate across teams to identify risks, respond to incidents, and implement best practic...

St Thomas, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$90K - $115K *

Elevate your career as a Cybersecurity Engineer, proactively designing and maintaining robust security measures. Collaborate across teams to identify risks, respond to incidents, and implement best pr...

London, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$198K - $277K *

Lead development and team growth for innovative cross-platform applications. Own full-stack solutions from design to implementation, ensuring high quality and user accessibility, even offline. Foster...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $150K *

Shape the future of cloud security by leading efforts to secure and optimize Microsoft cloud environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and resilience while implementin...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's redefining safety in digital spaces by leading access and compromise initiatives. Drive cross-functional collaboration, develop frameworks, and enhance user protection as we scale i...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$109K - $197K *

Drive customer success by providing end-to-end support and consultancy across multiple product suites. Collaborate with teams to enhance service delivery and implement innovative solutions for clients...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $197K *

Unlock potential by providing end-to-end support and consultancy across multiple product suites, ensuring customer success through effective integration and proactive service enhancements in a dynamic...

Ottawa, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$123K - $172K *

Join our dynamic team to tackle real challenges in SaaS management, enhancing IT and Security ecosystems. Collaborate with talented professionals to build impactful software while leveraging AI for ef...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$123K - $172K *

Unlock potential by developing innovative solutions for AI and SaaS management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges, ensuring quality and security while driving impact...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.