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.
Director of Information Security
$135K - $160K *
Champion a robust information security program across multiple companies, leading a technical team while engaging in hands-on security operations. Drive risk management, compliance, and governance ini...
2 weeks ago
Director of Information Security
$145K - $175K *
Champion a robust information security program across multiple companies, leading a technical team while engaging in hands-on operations. Drive risk management, compliance, and governance initiatives...
2 weeks ago
$104K - $166K *
Advance your career by managing complex FOIA requests and ensuring compliance with national security information protocols while collaborating with various government entities...
1 week ago
Test Engineer (TS/SCI with Polygraph)
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality through comprehensive testing strategies and automation. Collaborate with developers to create robust test environments and execute detailed t...
3 weeks ago
$195K - $293K *
Lead the charge in building and maintaining robust security monitoring systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance operational visibility and incident response capabilities across a...
Yesterday
$195K - $293K *
Unlock potential by building and maintaining robust security monitoring systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational visibility and incident response capabilities across a g...
Yesterday
$72K - $104K *
Lead the hands-on testing of flight assemblies, ensuring next-gen in-space mobility systems are validated and matured into flight-ready hardware through innovative test equipment and methodologies...
5 days ago
Information System Security Engineer (mid)
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity by designing robust security systems and architectures. Collaborate with teams to mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with stringent FBI cybersecurity requ...
Reposted 1 week ago
Applications Programming, Advisor
$86K - $138K *
Contribute to mission success by developing and optimizing web solutions, ETL pipelines, and reporting frameworks. Collaborate with teams to deliver scalable applications in an Agile environment, ensu...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Domain Consultant - Cortex (pre-sales)
$206K - $283K *
Elevate your career by driving innovative security solutions as a technical expert. Collaborate with teams to architect and present cutting-edge strategies that enhance customer security operations an...
2 weeks ago
Agile Developer, Cyber & Data Resilience (Clearance Required)
$130K - $155K *
Innovate and develop microservices applications using Java Spring Boot and AWS. Collaborate in Agile teams to modernize legacy systems, ensuring robust, scalable solutions in a classified environment...
1 week ago
Agile Developer, Cyber & Data Resilience (Clearance Required)
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of microservices in a dynamic Agile environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize legacy systems using cutting-edge technologies, ensuri...
1 week ago
$150K - $240K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing privacy controls across software, cloud, and AI platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with global privacy regulations an...
2 weeks ago
Consultant, Technology & Security
$110K - $130K *
Drive impactful IT and security transformations by leading strategic assessments, defining actionable roadmaps, and designing managed services solutions that enhance security, reliability, and the end...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate cybersecurity in industrial environments by designing, deploying, and securing OT networks and systems. Drive impactful projects from start to finish while mentoring junior engineers and advis...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Developer, Threat Defense and Detection Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by driving threat detection and defense strategies. Collaborate with teams to implement scalable solutions, automate incident responses, and enhance security measures while ensurin...
6 days ago
Vulnerability Management Analyst
$80K - $95K *
Champion vulnerability management operations to enhance cybersecurity posture while conducting assessments, coordinating remediation efforts, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks in a fa...
Reposted 1 week ago
$140K - $180K *
Join a team that's transforming open-source data into actionable intelligence. Leverage your analytical skills to support national security missions by interpreting complex information and delivering...
3 weeks ago
QA Engineering - Data, ETL and API Testing
$65K - $115K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team where you will design, develop, and execute automated testing solutions for ETL processes and APIs, ensuring data quality across cloud-based platforms and co...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director of Detection and Response
$280K - $385K *
Champion the development of a robust Detection and Response team, leading incident management and security strategies to protect sensitive data while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and...
2 weeks ago
Director of Detection and Response
$280K - $385K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team focused on threat detection and incident response. Drive security strategies, enhance operational readiness, and protect sensitive data while fostering a...
2 weeks ago
Reverse Engineer/Software Tester
$150K - $250K *
Unlock the potential of cybersecurity by leading reverse engineering and software testing efforts. Collaborate with experts to enhance technology transition and research management, ensuring robust so...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower your career by leading IT security initiatives, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding sensitive information. Oversee security teams, develop strategies, and enhance cybersecurity measures to p...
Today
Principal Network Security Engineer
$104K - $149K *
Elevate your career by leading enterprise network security initiatives. As a senior technical authority, you'll design and implement robust security architectures, drive modernization efforts, and enh...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Discover your potential as you enhance cybersecurity measures, ensuring a resilient network for critical systems. Lead the implementation of cutting-edge strategies and collaborate with teams to safeg...
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.