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Certified Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Judge Group, Inc.

Penetration Tester

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Certifications (Preferred) * HVA Operator Certification strongly desired * OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) * CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) * GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) * CPT ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Possess one of the following certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date: * CCNA Cyber ... Demonstrated penetration testing tools experience with Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.

SkyePoint Decisions

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

$95K - $112K/yr

Possess one of the following certifications: * CCNA Cyber Ops, CCNA-Security, CEH, CFR, Cloud ... Demonstrated penetration testing tools experience with Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Possess one of the following certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date: * CCNA Cyber ... Demonstrated penetration testing tools experience with Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Possess one of the following certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date: * CCNA Cyber ... Demonstrated penetration testing tools experience with Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior Penetration Tester

$90K - $150K/yr

Possess a certification in penetration testing, such as: * Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) * Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT) * Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) * Global Information ...

Altus Consulting Corp

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

Principal Penetration Tester Altus Consulting seeks a seasoned cybersecurity professional to ... Completed projects or certifications that align with our technical requirements * Demonstrated ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester / Active Secret

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Possess one of the following certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date: * CCNA Cyber ... Demonstrated penetration testing tools experience with Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.

Altus Consulting Corp

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

Principal Penetration Tester Altus Consulting seeks a seasoned cybersecurity professional to ... Completed projects or certifications that align with our technical requirements * Demonstrated ...

Altus Consulting Corp

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)CPTS (Certified Penetration Testing Specialist)GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)GXPN (GIAC Exploit Programmer)CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator)Additional ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), HTB Certified Penetration Tester Specialist (CPTS), eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (EJPT), GIAC Global Information Assurance Penetration ...

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior Penetration Tester

$90K - $150K/yr

Possess a certification in penetration testing, such as: * Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) * Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT) * Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) * Global Information ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), HTB Certified Penetration Tester Specialist (CPTS), eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (EJPT), GIAC Global Information Assurance Penetration ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), HTB Certified Penetration Tester Specialist (CPTS), eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (EJPT), GIAC Global Information Assurance Penetration ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), HTB Certified Penetration Tester Specialist (CPTS), eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (EJPT), GIAC Global Information Assurance Penetration ...

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Certified Penetration Tester information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do certified penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for certified penetration tester in the United States is $119,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified penetration tester?

A Certified Penetration Tester is a cybersecurity professional who is trained and certified to assess the security of computer systems, networks, and applications by simulating real-world cyberattacks. Their goal is to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers and provide recommendations to improve security. These professionals use specialized tools and techniques to perform ethical hacking within the scope and boundaries agreed upon with the client or employer. Certification demonstrates that they have met industry standards and possess the necessary skills to conduct these assessments responsibly and effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified penetration tester?

To thrive as a Certified Penetration Tester, you need a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, networking, and vulnerability assessment, typically demonstrated by certifications such as OSCP, CEH, or GPEN. Proficiency with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, Kali Linux, and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) is essential for simulating cyberattacks and uncovering security weaknesses. Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and clear communication skills help you document findings and convey risks to non-technical stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities effectively and helping organizations strengthen their overall security posture.

How does a certified penetration tester typically collaborate with IT and security teams during an engagement?

Certified Penetration Testers work closely with IT and security teams throughout each assessment. They begin by coordinating on scope and objectives, then maintain open communication to minimize disruptions and ensure compliance with internal policies. After testing, they present findings, explain vulnerabilities, and often assist with remediation strategies. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the organization’s security posture but also builds trust between testers and internal staff.

What is the difference between Certified Penetration Tester vs Ethical Hacker?

AspectCertified Penetration TesterEthical Hacker
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCEH, OSCP, CISSP (sometimes)
Work EnvironmentConducts simulated attacks, penetration testing projectsPerforms security assessments, vulnerability testing
Employer & Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, consulting companies, internal security teamsSecurity consulting, IT departments, freelance security specialists

While both roles focus on identifying security vulnerabilities, a Certified Penetration Tester specializes in executing controlled attacks to test system defenses, often with specific certifications like OSCP. An Ethical Hacker has a broader scope, including vulnerability assessments and security evaluations, and may hold certifications like CEH. Both roles are vital in cybersecurity, but penetration testers typically perform more technical, hands-on testing, whereas ethical hackers may also include strategic security advice.

Is a Certified Penetration Tester a good career?

A Certified Penetration Tester is a specialized cybersecurity professional who assesses system vulnerabilities through simulated attacks. The role offers high demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement, especially with skills in tools like Kali Linux and knowledge of network protocols. It is a growing field with a need for continuous learning and ethical responsibility.

Is penetration testing still in demand?

Yes, penetration testing remains in high demand as organizations seek to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen cybersecurity defenses. Certified penetration testers with skills in tools like Kali Linux and knowledge of emerging threats are especially sought after across various industries.
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Certified Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Judge Group, Inc.

Beltsville, MD • On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Location: Beltsville, MD Salary: $60.00 USD Hourly - $70.00 USD Hourly Description: The Judge Group is currently seeking a Penetration Tester with an active secret clearance to support a classified customer in Beltsville, MD. This position is onsite five days per week.
Core Requirements
  • Active Security Clearance
  • Federal Contracting Experience
  • Familiarity with working in government environments, including compliance with NIST, FISMA, and FedRAMP standards.

Technical Skills
  • Penetration Testing Tools
  • Vulnerability Remediation
  • Operating Systems Expertise:
  • Deep understanding of Windows, Linux, and macOS internals.
  • Scripting & Programming:
  • Experience with Python, PowerShell, Bash, or other scripting languages used in automation and exploit development.
  • Network & Web Application Testing:
  • Ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in networks, APIs, and web applications (e.g., SQLi, XSS, CSRF).
  • Active Directory & Cloud Environments:
  • Experience with AD enumeration and exploitation; familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

Certifications (Preferred)
  • HVA Operator Certification strongly desired
  • OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
  • CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
  • GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)
  • CPT (Certified Penetration Tester)

Soft Skills
  • Strong report writing and communication skills
  • Ability to brief technical findings to non-technical stakeholders
  • Team collaboration and red team/blue team coordination experience

Medical, dental, and vision insurance are available to qualified candidates who meet eligibility requirements.
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This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Please apply with us today!

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