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.
Cyber Consultant - ASM Vulnerability Management - Patching
$82K - $162K *
Unlock potential by enhancing cyber resilience and managing vulnerabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prioritize remediation, improve risk visibility, and support cyber transformatio...
3 days ago
Cyber Consultant - ASM Vulnerability Management - Patching
$82K - $162K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cyber resilience by identifying and remediating security exposures. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to strengthen vulnerability management and...
3 days ago
Cyber Consultant - ASM Vulnerability Management - Patching
$82K - $162K *
Unlock potential by enhancing cyber resilience and reducing risks for clients. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage vulnerabilities and improve security processes in complex technology en...
3 days ago
Cyber Consultant - ASM Vulnerability Management - Patching
$82K - $162K *
Lead the charge in enhancing cyber resilience by managing vulnerability remediation and patching processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prioritize security exposures and support clients...
3 days ago
Cyber Consultant - ASM Vulnerability Management - Patching
$82K - $162K *
Drive cyber resilience by supporting vulnerability management and patching initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security processes, prioritize remediation, and improve visib...
3 days ago
Cyber Consultant - ASM Vulnerability Management - Patching
$82K - $162K *
Support organizations in reducing cyber risk and enhancing resilience by managing vulnerability remediation and patching processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve visibility into r...
3 days ago
Test Engineer – Integration, Test, and Documentation
$80K - $128K *
Engage in critical national security missions as a Test Engineer, coordinating across hardware, software, and firmware teams to ensure seamless integration and verification of advanced technical syste...
5 days ago
Offensive Security Researcher, SEAR
$150K - $180K *
Elevate security by identifying vulnerabilities in AI-powered systems. Conduct offensive research into AI-specific attack classes while collaborating with top-tier researchers to enhance security prot...
Reposted 1 month ago
$117K - $210K *
Empower innovation by leading vulnerability research initiatives, mentoring teams, and bridging mission requirements with technical execution in complex wireless and embedded systems...
Yesterday
$116K - $170K *
Transform your career by leading security initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders, and enhancing application security. Drive risk assessments, implement security tools, and mentor teams to streng...
3 weeks ago
$116K - $170K *
Unlock potential by leading security initiatives to enhance application security. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify vulnerabilities, implement security tools, and mentor teams while driving au...
3 weeks ago
$116K - $170K *
Champion security excellence by leading vulnerability assessments, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing robust security measures to enhance application security and risk management across...
3 weeks ago
$116K - $170K *
Lead security initiatives by executing vulnerability assessments, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing security tools to enhance application security while mentoring teams and driving ris...
3 weeks ago
Security Engineer, Offensive Security
$130K - $160K *
Unlock potential by building a cutting-edge offensive security program, leading red and purple team operations, and collaborating on AI-specific attack scenarios to enhance security across diverse env...
5 days ago
Security Engineer, Offensive Security
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in building a cutting-edge offensive security program, driving red and purple team operations, and securing AI infrastructure while collaborating with engineering teams to address nove...
5 days ago
$110K - $145K *
Empower security and compliance within Microsoft cloud environments by engineering and managing robust security controls while fostering a proactive approach to risk assessment and improvement for org...
4 weeks ago
$84K - $126K *
Join us to conduct groundbreaking reverse engineering of embedded systems, identifying security vulnerabilities and developing proof-of-concept solutions as part of a highly skilled team dedicated to...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Analyst, Application Security
$95K - $115K *
Unlock the potential of secure software development by leading application security initiatives, enhancing security controls, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure robust protection...
1 week ago
Senior Security Consultant, Red Team
$75K - $150K *
Elevate cybersecurity effectiveness by leading proactive Red Team operations that simulate real-world threats, from social engineering to physical security testing, ensuring clients are resilient agai...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Red Team Engineer, Product Security
$120K - $145K *
Drive security excellence by emulating adversaries against spacecraft and systems. Collaborate with engineers to identify vulnerabilities, lead assessments, and enhance testing tools, ensuring robust...
1 week ago
Cyber Data Capabilities Developer
$112K - $179K *
Engineer innovative software solutions for big data processing and cyberspace data analysis. Collaborate on design, development, and optimization of applications and services, ensuring high performanc...
Yesterday
Senior Offensive Security Engineer
$150K - $240K *
Optimize security across product lifecycles by leading assessments, advising teams, and shaping strategies to mitigate risks. Collaborate with engineering to embed security practices and enhance overa...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $185K *
Unlock business growth by leading technical scoping, managing client relations, and guiding consultants. This hybrid role integrates project management with hands-on consulting to ensure accurate prop...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$200K - $260K *
Explore and lead vulnerability research, debugging, and reverse engineering to enhance software security. Collaborate on technical presentations and develop proof-of-concept exploits, driving innovati...
4 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the deployment and integration of OT cybersecurity solutions, ensuring robust threat monitoring and secure access in industrial environments while collaborating with project teams and providing e...
Today
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.