10 Pentester Jobs & How to Land Them

Quick Answer: Pentester jobs cover a wide variety of skills, but they generally involve legally testing and sometimes even breaking into computer systems to find security weaknesses before malicious hackers do.  

Cybercriminals are everywhere, and they don't take days off. They're always probing networks, testing applications, and looking for sneaky ways to get into systems. The irony is that pentesters do exactly the same things, but with permission. Someone needs to think like the bad guys do to find vulnerabilities before someone with real malicious intent actually does.

Penetration testers with real-world skills are in serious demand right now. Think about how often you have read about data breaches or seen headlines about companies that have been compromised in a cyber attack. Companies are finally starting to realize that you can't assume your systems are secure. You need someone to actually test your defenses and find potential exploits in your systems.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get paid for breaking into systems legally?  Wonder no more! We cover 10 pentester jobs, how much they earn, and the core responsibilities of each. These roles combine technical skills and creative problem-solving, enabling companies to outsmart hackers and cybercriminals by thinking like they do.  

What Does a Penetration Tester Do?

A pentester, or penetration tester, is a cybersecurity professional who simulates cyberattacks on systems, networks, or applications to help organizations find and fix security vulnerabilities before real attackers can exploit them.

If you enjoy solving difficult security challenges, then pentesting could be for you. You’ll learn all about system security, but from the perspective of an attacker trying to get in. Your job is to break into systems, apps, and networks to find security weaknesses. 

Your average day might involve tasks such as scanning networks for open ports, testing web applications for SQL injection vulnerabilities, or attempting to trick employees into divulging their personal information through social engineering tactics. 

When you find something (depending on your instructions), you may need to exploit it in a safe and controlled manner without causing any damage or disruption. In most environments, there will be a simulated live environment that you can test on without affecting live environments. You’ll document it and help the organization address the issue after the report has been finalized. 

It isn’t all fun, though. Most pentester jobs involve writing detailed reports about what was discovered. The good news is that these aren't just technical documents. Some reports even include step-by-step guides on how the exploit or vulnerability was discovered and how to recreate it. The more detail you add, the better. You'll also need to explain complex security issues to C-suite executives who may not understand the difference between a firewall and a router, so audience targeting is another skill you'll need to master.

Pentesting jobs are available across all industries. If there is an IT infrastructure and valuable data, then you’ll probably find demand for pentesting. 

• Financial institutions need pentesters, especially to protect customer data and comply with strict regulations. 

• Healthcare organizations must secure patient records in accordance with HIPAA requirements. 

• Government agencies, tech companies, and even small businesses are hiring ethical hackers to test their systems.

Types of Pentester Jobs

Offensive security isn't just one job with different names. Each role has its own set of responsibilities, skill requirements, and earning potential. When you understand these differences and why they are specific to each kind of role, it will help you find the right career path and let you set realistic salary expectations.

Here's what some of the data shows about pentester jobs and their basic salary ranges in 2025:

Vulnerability Assessment Analyst

This is the entry point into offensive security for many cybersecurity pros. You'll identify and classify security vulnerabilities using automated scanners, such as Nessus and Qualys, and then work with IT teams to prioritize fixes. The big difference from pentesting is that in this role you will find vulnerabilities but not exploit them.

This role is excellent prep work for more advanced pentest positions once you learn about real-world threats. The base salary range is around $55,000 - $125,000, with a median around $83,000. Total compensation typically remains close to the base salary, as bonuses are generally smaller for these types of roles; however, this varies by industry.

Penetration Tester

This is the classic ethical hacker role that most people think of first in this field. You'll simulate cyberattacks against networks, applications, and systems within a defined scope to find and exploit as many vulnerabilities as possible. Then you’ll document everything for the client to fix.

Don't expect to land this job straight out of college though. Most employers prefer candidates with 2-4 years of foundational IT experience and some background in cybersecurity. The base salary ranges from $114,000 - $212,000, with a median around $151,000. Senior and lead roles can push base salaries over $160,000, with total compensation being even higher due to performance bonuses.

Application Security Engineer

This is a specialized role that lumps software development skills with security testing. You'll secure applications within the entire software development lifecycle. This involves reviewing code, conducting penetration tests, and collaborating directly with development teams to resolve vulnerabilities before they are shipped to end-users.

The market pays a lot for this skill set because building security into an app from the start is more effective than finding issues and trying to fix them later. Salary ranges from $110,000 - $160,000, with a median around $135,000. At major tech companies, the total compensation can be significantly higher than this range due to performance bonuses and stock options.

Security Consultant (Penetration Testing Specialist)

This is a client-facing role that involves performing penetration tests and security assessments for different organizations. You need strong technical skills and be able to relay your findings to business stakeholders and write very detailed reports.

The title covers a wide range of actual jobs, from small consultancies to Big Four firms. The salaries range from $110,000 - $185,000, with a median of around $143,000. However, the total compensation at specialized consulting firms can be even higher.

Red Team Operator

This is an advanced role that extends far beyond identifying vulnerabilities. You'll pose as specific adversaries (such as state-sponsored groups or ransomware gangs) to test an organization's comprehensive defensive capabilities, including technology, processes, and personnel. You won’t just need to get into systems, but also try to complete specific objectives without being detected.

This is senior-level work at well-established organizations. Salaries vary quite a bit, from around $120,000 to $260,000+, with an average of around $164,000. The total compensation at large firms can exceed these figures for specialists with advanced skills and experience.

Network Security Engineer

Here, you'll design and secure network infrastructures while also conducting penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities in network defenses. This role combines network engineering knowledge with security testing expertise, making you a valuable asset to organizations that require individuals with both skills.

The salary range for network security engineers is $80,000 - $145,000, with total compensation varying widely depending on your location and the complexity of the networks you'll be securing and testing.

Information Security Analyst

You'll monitor and protect IT systems by doing security assessments, analyzing threats, and implementing protective fixes. Penetration testing is often one aspect of this broad security role, alongside incident response and policy development.

Base salary ranges are around $75,000 to $135,000, but total compensation depends on all the responsibilities that you’ll have on top of pentesting duties.

Cybersecurity Analyst

This involves detecting and responding to cyber threats, conducting penetration testing, and conducting vulnerability assessments. You'll help develop strategies to strengthen security and often work closely with SOC teams to investigate alerts and incidents.

Salary ranges from $99,000 - $150,000, with opportunities for you to grow as you specialize in different areas like threat hunting or forensics.

Security Engineer

Here, you'll build and monitor security systems while conducting penetration tests and security audits. This role combines system administration and security testing, requiring both defensive and offensive security skills.

Salaries range from $96,000 to $170,000, with higher compensation for people who can architect advanced security solutions.

Ethical Hacker

This term is sometimes interchangeable with penetration tester. You'll usually legally hack into systems to identify and fix security gaps before anyone can exploit them. The role generally follows the same principles as the penetration testing role that we just looked at.

Compensation is similar to that of penetration testers, falling within the $114,000 - $212,000 salary range.

Important Note on Salary Data: These figures are the base salary ranges from different sources and are averaged from employer-reported data and some verified compensation platforms. Actual pay is always different and is heavily influenced by location, experience, industry, and the size of the company.

Another thing that you will notice is that most of these aren't entry-level positions. The cybersecurity industry really needs you to have hands-on experience, which is why roles like SOC Analyst, Network Administrator, or Systems Administrator are excellent stepping stones to get you into offensive security careers.

Skills and Certifications Needed to Become a Pentester

To break into the pentester job market (pun intended), you’ll need a mix of technical skills, soft skills, and solid certifications. You don't need to master everything overnight, but you do need a strong foundation you can build on. 

Technical Skills That Matter

First and foremost, you'll need the technical skills to navigate systems and locate vulnerabilities. Top skills include: 

• Networking Knowledge: Networking is the backbone of most pentester jobs. You need to understand TCP/IP, routing, switching, and network protocols. Operating system mastery is another non-negotiable. You'll work with Windows, Linux, and macOS environments as well.

• Scripting: Skills in this area will make your life much easier. Python and Bash are the most common languages in pentester jobs, but they aren’t the only ones that you might come across. Scripting lets you automate tasks that you need to do very often, and you’ll also create custom testing tools for certain situations that you’ll accumulate over the years.

• Security Tools: Security tools are a massive part of your toolkit as a pentester. Metasploit helps you exploit known vulnerabilities, Burp Suite for web application testing, and Nmap lets you find services and map networks. Wireshark is another tool that lets you analyze network traffic and capture data packets for a more detailed inspection.

Soft Skills That Set You Apart

If you like detective work then you’ll love pentesting. Sometimes it can feel like you are solving puzzles all day. But it isn’t all smooth sailing. You'll hit dead ends, find unexpected results, and you’ll need to think creatively about attack paths. It can be incredibly frustrating when things don’t go as planned, but with some patience and creativity, you can get amazing results.

Report writing is an area that not many people think about with pentesting, but it's crucial. Finding vulnerabilities doesn't matter if you can't show exactly what is and why you think it needs to be addressed. Explaining complicated vulnerabilities for different audiences is a skill that can set you apart.

Certifications That Open Doors

While certifications aren't required for all pentesting roles, they can definitely help you land a new role and support raise requests and bonuses. Here's the top cert for pentesters? 

• The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Typically, one of the first certifications that individuals aim for when seeking to secure a pentester job. It covers the fundamentals of ethical hacking and the basic tools you’ll need to know about when on the job.

• CompTIA PenTest+: This exam focuses on practical penetration testing skills that you can apply. The exam includes performance-based questions that will test your ability to use the tools of the trade, providing valuable practice for the real world.

• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Seen by many as the gold standard for hands-on pentesting, the exam shows you can compromise a series of machines in a controlled environment, and because of its difficulty level, OSCP holders are snapped up for pentester jobs.

• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN): This cert proves you have a blend of deep technical know-how and practical experience. GPEN holders earn very good salaries due to the high skill level typically required to obtain this certification.

How to Get a Pentester Job

Landing your first pentester job is not going to be easy. It takes a lot of planning and practice, with a sprinkle of persistence and determination. One of the bonuses of this line of work is that employers usually care more about what you can do than where you learned it from, so your personal experience can really help you land a great role.

Education & Learning Path

Interestingly, you don't need a computer science degree for most pentester jobs. Successful pentesters are usually self-taught to a large degree, or might not even come from a traditional IT background. That said, a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology can help you stand out in a crowded field of other job applicants. But, it all depends on the role, your experience, and the company.

If you're going the self-learning route, then you will need to focus on building actual skills. Some good resources are security blogs, YouTube tutorials, and of course, getting your hands dirty with real tools on real networks (with permission, of course!). The main thing to remember is that practicing over the course of a few months to become familiar with tools and exercises is always the best approach. You can’t cram for weeks and try to squeeze in all that information in a short amount of time, there is no faking it in pentesting.

Gain Experience

TryHackMe and Hack The Box are popular platforms for building out your pentesting skills. These are sites that offer a structured series of learning paths and realistic challenges. You can start with beginner rooms and work your way up to more complex scenarios as you build up your abilities

Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions are another great way to test your skills against other up-and-coming pentesters. Bug bounty programs are a practical way to let you test real apps, and the best part, sometimes you’ll get paid for valuable finds. Platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd help connect ethical hackers with companies that want their systems tested.

But at the beginning of your journey, home labs are where you can practice safely without getting into trouble. You can set up virtual machines with intentionally vulnerable applications and then test them with tools like DVWA, WebGoat, or VulnHub images for practice.

Networking and Community Engagement

Finding people in this industry is not as simple as it is with other IT learning paths. You’ll want to attend security conferences, such as BSides or DefCon, or local meetups to gain exposure to the right crowd. These events are really valuable for learning skills and networking with other established and aspiring security pros. You'll meet people who work in pentester jobs and might learn about opportunities that aren't publicly posted.

If you are not near any physical venues to meet up, Reddit's r/AskNetsec and r/cybersecurity are online communities where you can ask questions and share knowledge.

Resume and Job Search Tips

Highlight your hands-on experience proudly. If you can, include CTF wins, bug bounty findings, home lab projects, and any real-world testing experience. Employers want to see that you can actually perform penetration testing and show your findings.

If you have certifications and ongoing education related to pentesting then add them in. You need to show that you're all in on staying current with your information about pentesting. The field is changing all the time, and staying current is going to go a long way to show your curiosity and problem-solving skills.

As scary as this sounds, you should be ready to show off your skills during interviews. Many employers will ask you technical questions or present you with practical scenarios to work through while they observe. You'll need to get used to having people watch you work, which means you’ll need to practice a lot.

Entry-Level Pentester Jobs & Where to Find Them

Getting your foot in the door can be tough in any job market, and landing your first pentesting job can feel the same. Entry-level pentester jobs will sometimes have titles that sound quite different from more senior positions, so you will need to do some research and find out what is expected in these roles so that you can upskill and prepare for them.

Common Entry-Level Job Titles

Junior Penetration Tester positions are usually designed for new graduates or people who are changing their career paths. Another role to watch out for as a beginner is that of a Security Analyst. These roles sometimes include penetration testing responsibilities, along with other security functions such as vulnerability assessments and report generation.

Best Job Boards and Resources

LinkedIn remains one of the best platforms for finding penetration testing jobs, and it's an excellent resource for networking with other security professionals. A good strategy is to set up job alerts for specific keywords and connect with security professionals in your area. Also, make sure that you have a well-rounded profile.

Indeed aggregates job postings from many different sources. Use specific search terms, such as "penetration tester," "ethical hacker," and "vulnerability assessment," to find recent openings before many applicants sign up.

The OffSec Job Board specifically focuses on offensive security positions that require pentesting knowledge. Since OffSec created the OSCP certification, their job board attracts employers who value hands-on penetration testing skills.

Use these sites to understand demand in your area and salary expectations for different experience levels where you currently are. Once you have a baseline, you’ll quickly learn which companies are offering higher pay grades.

Conclusion

Pentesting jobs require a combination of technical know-how and creative problem-solving. As organizations start to see the value of proactive security testing, the field is likely to grow. 

Penetration testing skills require constant updating, along with hands-on practice and experience. Technology is constantly changing, and new attack techniques are always being uncovered. The pentesters who do well are the ones who stay curious and keep building their skills. Start with the fundamentals—networking, operating systems, and basic security concepts —and build from there.

Ready to develop the skills you need for penetration testing jobs? The PEN-100: Network Penetration Testing Essentials with Erik Choron course provides hands-on training with the tools and techniques used in real-world penetration testing.