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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1
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$125K - $187K *

Drive enterprise security architecture and standards across hybrid environments. Lead security initiatives, integrate security as code, and mentor teams to deliver resilient, compliant solutions that...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$264K - $350K *

Lead the charge in transforming software development operations, enhancing security, and streamlining access controls across Amazon. Engage cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$146K - $234K *

Unlock potential by developing and implementing data engineering solutions for web-based applications that streamline data management and compliance, enhancing data movement and integration across cus...

4 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Accelerate progress at threat detection by engineering advanced use cases and custom SIEM scripts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security analytics and ensure high-fidelity alerti...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$86K - $138K *

Elevate your career by ensuring the reliability of critical infrastructure. Join our Telecom team to manage facilities, oversee vendor operations, and maintain telecommunications systems that support...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team to shape the future of cyber security by architecting and integrating robust security solutions into IT systems, leading development efforts, and ensuring compliance with industry...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join our cybersecurity team to design and develop secure RESTful APIs using C#/.NET. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance our endpoint protection platform while writing maintainable code...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Drive cybersecurity excellence by leading DoD RMF processes, managing authorization packages, and ensuring compliance with security standards. Collaborate with engineering teams to protect critical sy...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$128K - $192K *

Shape the future of AI security by leading the design and operations of a cutting-edge Security Operations Center, safeguarding both IT and OT environments against evolving threats with innovative AI...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$99K - $232K *

Join a team that's enhancing cloud security by managing application security assessments, guiding teams, and implementing robust security controls across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments to combat ev...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Unlock potential by leading application security initiatives across cloud environments. Guide teams in identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security controls, and delivering client-focused soluti...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Optimize security across cloud environments by leading teams in application security assessments, designing controls, and managing risk assessments to address evolving cyber threats and vulnerabilitie...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Lead your career by managing application security initiatives across cloud environments. Oversee teams, enhance security measures, and deliver tailored solutions to address evolving cyber threats whil...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cloud security by leading application security assessments, designing robust controls, and mentoring talent to combat evolving cyber threats across diverse en...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Champion application security by leading teams to enhance cloud security, assess vulnerabilities, and implement robust controls across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments, ensuring alignment with client...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Manage and guide teams in enhancing cloud security, conducting assessments, and implementing controls across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments. Leverage expertise to address vulnerabilities and evolvi...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Drive security excellence by leading application security initiatives across cloud environments, guiding teams in vulnerability assessments, and implementing robust security controls to protect client...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Lead the charge in enhancing cloud security by managing application security assessments, guiding teams, and implementing robust security controls across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments to mitigate...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Drive security innovation by leading teams in enhancing cloud application security. Oversee assessments, design controls, and mentor talent while addressing evolving cyber threats in a dynamic advisor...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Lead application security initiatives by designing and enhancing security across cloud environments. Guide teams in identifying vulnerabilities and implementing effective security solutions to mitigat...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Unlock potential by leading application security initiatives across cloud environments. Guide teams in identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security controls, and delivering client-focused soluti...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Join a team that's redefining application security by leading cloud security assessments, designing robust controls, and mentoring talent to combat evolving cyber threats in a dynamic environment...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Champion security excellence by leading teams in enhancing cloud application security, conducting assessments, and implementing robust controls to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities across diverse env...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Lead application security initiatives by overseeing assessments and designing robust security controls across cloud environments, ensuring alignment with client needs and evolving cyber threats while...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$99K - $232K *

Lead the charge in enhancing cloud security by managing application security assessments, guiding teams, and implementing robust security controls across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments to mitigate...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

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.