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Api Penetration Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NJ · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Practical experience delivering penetration testing or related security services. * Proficiency in web application, network/infrastructure, API, mobile, thick client, AI, and cloud penetration ...

Cleared Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Work closely with all members of the team to conduct penetration testing of customer networks, applications (API, web, and mobile), and/or social engineering activities to achieve the customer ...

Execute web application, API and mobile penetration tests with a focus on manual testing beyond automated scanning - business logic, authentication abuse, authorization flaws, and injection chains

Showing results 21-40

Api Penetration Testing information

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$11K

$109.6K

$183.5K

How much do api penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for api penetration testing in the United States is $109,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is API penetration testing?

API penetration testing is a security assessment process that focuses on evaluating the security of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Testers simulate real-world cyberattacks on APIs to identify vulnerabilities such as broken authentication, improper access controls, data exposure, and injection flaws. The goal is to uncover weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them, ensuring that APIs are robust and secure. It typically involves both automated tools and manual testing techniques to thoroughly assess the API's security posture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an API penetration tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as an API Penetration Tester, you need a deep understanding of web application security, networking protocols, and common API vulnerabilities, often supported by cybersecurity certifications like OSCP or CEH. Familiarity with tools such as Burp Suite, Postman, OWASP ZAP, and scripting languages like Python is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help testers identify, document, and explain vulnerabilities to stakeholders. These skills are crucial for safeguarding applications, ensuring regulatory compliance, and helping organizations mitigate security risks.

What are some common challenges faced by API penetration testers during an engagement?

API penetration testers often encounter challenges such as incomplete or outdated documentation, which can make it difficult to understand the full functionality and endpoints of an API. Additionally, handling complex authentication mechanisms or rate-limiting controls can require creative approaches to thoroughly test for vulnerabilities. Collaboration with development teams is crucial to clarify uncertainties and gain necessary access, while maintaining accurate and detailed reporting is essential for communicating findings back to stakeholders effectively.

What is the difference between Api Penetration Testing vs API Security Analyst?

AspectApi Penetration TestingAPI Security Analyst
Primary FocusIdentifying vulnerabilities in APIs through simulated attacksMonitoring, analyzing, and improving API security measures
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCISSP, GIAC Security Essentials
Work EnvironmentSecurity testing teams, cybersecurity firmsIT security departments, development teams
Industry UsageCybersecurity, software developmentEnterprise security, API management

Api Penetration Testing focuses on actively discovering vulnerabilities by simulating attacks on APIs, while API Security Analysts monitor and enhance API security protocols. Both roles require cybersecurity certifications and are vital in protecting API infrastructure, but they differ in approach: testing versus ongoing security management.

How much do Api Penetration Testers make?

Api Penetration Testers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in security tools and scripting can command higher salaries.

Is Api Penetration Testing a good career?

Api Penetration Testing is a specialized cybersecurity role focused on identifying vulnerabilities in APIs, often requiring knowledge of security tools, scripting, and protocols. It is a growing field with high demand for skilled professionals, offering opportunities for advancement and specialization in cybersecurity. Certifications like OSCP or CEH can enhance career prospects in this area.
Infographic showing various Api Penetration Testing job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 33% In-person, 34% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,565 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Penetration Tester, AVP

NJ • On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview

Penetration Tester – Assistant Vice President (AVP) – Whippany, NJ. The role is to identify potential vulnerabilities within the bank’s IT systems using penetration testing tools and techniques to ensure security of computer systems, applications, servers, and networks.

Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute penetration tests, audits, and threat models across web applications, APIs, network/infrastructure, mobile apps, thick clients, AI agents/LLMs, and cloud environments.
  • Identify vulnerabilities and emerging attack paths, including exploit code and new cyber‑attack techniques.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders and IT teams to enhance security postures, develop testing methodologies, and support proactive security initiatives.
  • Lead a team of security professionals delivering complex penetration testing assignments.
  • Maintain comprehensive documentation and produce senior‑stakeholder reports on test findings and remediation guidance.
  • Support policy development, risk mitigation, and control strengthening in line with the organization’s governance agenda.
  • Engage in business‑aligned analysis of data from multiple sources to inform security decisions and influence stakeholders.
Qualifications
  • Practical experience delivering penetration testing or related security services.
  • Proficiency in web application, network/infrastructure, API, mobile, thick client, AI, and cloud penetration testing.
  • In‑depth understanding of security mechanisms for applications, operating systems, networks, databases, virtualization, cloud, and AI environments.
  • Familiarity with cloud‑native environments, container security, and infrastructure‑as‑code.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., CREST, OSCP, SANS) and/or Red/Purple team experience are highly valued.
  • Experience in enterprise vulnerability management, threat modelling, design review, and awareness of industry frameworks such as OWASP, MITRE ATT&CK/CTID, CISA Secure‑by‑Design, NIST CSF 2.0/CRI Profile, and DORA/FFIEC.
Benefits

Salary range: $125,000 – $170,000 per annum. Additional rewards include an incentive award, medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, comprehensive life insurance, and paid leave for qualifying circumstances.

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