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Cybersecurity Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

Penetration Tester - Intermediate Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of ... Assess enterprise systems using offensive cybersecurity techniques and provide actionable ...

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Cybersecurity Penetration Tester information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do cybersecurity penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for cybersecurity 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cybersecurity Penetration Tester position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cybersecurity Penetration Tester, you need strong knowledge of network security, vulnerability assessment methodologies, and experience with operating systems and programming, often supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and certifications such as OSCP or CEH is highly valued. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to effectively identify security gaps, deliver actionable insights, and collaborate with teams to enhance organizational defenses.

How much do cyber security penetration testers make?

Cybersecurity penetration testers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior or specialized testers with certifications like OSCP or CISSP can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand industries or regions with a strong cybersecurity market.

Is 30 too late for cyber security?

Cybersecurity penetration tester roles are open to individuals of various ages, and starting a career at 30 is common. Success depends on acquiring relevant skills, certifications like OSCP or CEH, and hands-on experience, regardless of age.

What is a Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job?

A Cybersecurity Penetration Tester, or ethical hacker, is responsible for assessing an organization's security by simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities. They use various tools and techniques to exploit weaknesses in networks, applications, and systems before malicious hackers can. Their findings help improve security defenses by recommending remediation measures. Penetration testers often work with security teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.

Will pentesters be replaced by AI?

Cybersecurity penetration testers use manual testing, creativity, and critical thinking to identify vulnerabilities, which AI currently cannot fully replicate. While AI tools can assist in automating certain tasks, human expertise remains essential for complex assessments, interpreting results, and adapting to new threats. Continuous learning and certifications help pentesters stay effective alongside evolving technology.

What does a typical workday look like for a Cybersecurity Penetration Tester?

A typical day for a Cybersecurity Penetration Tester involves planning and executing simulated cyberattacks on applications, networks, and systems to identify vulnerabilities. You will document findings, create detailed reports for technical and non-technical stakeholders, and often collaborate with IT, security, and development teams to consult on mitigation strategies. While the job can involve independent testing, it frequently requires teamwork during project scoping and debrief sessions. Expect a mix of structured tasks and dynamic problem-solving, as new security threats and client needs often shift priorities. This variety makes the role both challenging and rewarding for those who enjoy solving complex security puzzles.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Cybersecurity penetration testers can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications like OSCP or CISSP, and specialization in high-demand areas such as red teaming or threat hunting. Such salaries are typically seen in senior or consulting roles at large organizations or cybersecurity firms. Entry-level or mid-tier testers usually earn significantly less, with salaries increasing with expertise and reputation.
What cities are hiring for Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs? Cities with the most Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs? The most popular types of Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs are:
What states have the most Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs? States with the most job openings for Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.
Principal, Cybersecurity Penetration Tester

Principal, Cybersecurity Penetration Tester

Fidelity Investments

Durham, NC

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Fidelity Investments rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 266 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 146 rated financial services


Job description

Job Description:

Position Description:

Performs security assessments of applications prior to production deployment using Static Code Analysis, dynamic testing tools, and manual techniques. Assists in establishing the strategy, policy, and standards of security for cybersecurity operations. Develop custom Python scripts to automate repetitive tasks. Defends enterprise against attacks, damage, and unauthorized access to information, data, and systems. Ensures threat and vulnerability reduction, deterrence, incident response, resiliency, and recovery policies and activities are up to date. Proactively identifies vulnerabilities in proprietary applications prior to production release and remediates identified vulnerabilities to prevent real-life cyberattacks.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Performs advanced Web application source code auditing.
  • Analyzes codes, writes scripts, and exploits web vulnerabilities.
  • Analyzes test results, draw conclusions from results.
  • Identifies vulnerabilities by performing thorough evaluations of security vulnerabilities on Web and mobile applications.
  • Collaborates with application developers to mitigate risk and improve security posture.
  • Performs security testing on web and mobile applications to support production releases.
  • Models potential external threats by replicating the techniques and tools used by malicious attackers.
  • Prepares reports on completed assessments and present results to application owners, developers, and business unit information security teams.
  • Consults with operations and software development teams to ensure potential weaknesses are addressed.
  • Contributes to the research and development of tools to assist in the vulnerability discovery process.
  • Keeps abreast of current cybersecurity best practices and vulnerabilities.
  • Conducts peer reviews to facilitate continuous improvement across the team.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a closely related field (or foreign education equivalent) and five (5) years of experience as a Principal, Cybersecurity Penetration Tester (or closely related occupation) performing black and white box testing to protect against cyber threats and ensure application security (web, mobile, API, and thick client).

Or, alternatively, Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a closely related field (or foreign education equivalent) and three (3) years of experience as a Principal, Cybersecurity Penetration Tester (or closely related occupation) performing black and white box testing to protect against cyber threats and ensure application security (web, mobile, API, and thick client).

Skills and Knowledge:

Candidate must also possess:

  • Demonstrated Expertise ("DE") estimating risks on security flaws uncovered during static or dynamic analysis in line with the OWASP testing guide; conducting pen-testing on applications to uncover security vulnerabilities - Injection attacks, Server-side attacks, Privilege escalation, GraphQL batching attacks, or JWT signature manipulation attacks - using BurpSuite Professional Edition, Fiddler, Kali Linux, and SQLMap.
  • DE analyzing source code for security weaknesses, writing custom scripts, exploiting security vulnerabilities, and conducting retests to determine mitigation measures implemented by development teams, through a combination of manual analysis by using BurpSuite Professional, and automated scans using GitHub Advanced Security(GHAS) and MEND.
  • DE analyzing Common Vulnerability Exposure (CVE) on third party libraries, using Veracode SCA, MEND, Exploit-DB, and NVD databases; and coordinating actions associated with the dismissal or reopening of policy violation alerts related to security, licensing, and coding standards using GitHub Advanced Security (GHAS).
  • DE crafting custom scripts to effectively automate labor-intensive manual tasks (logging security findings, preparing weekly status reports, verifying artifact correctness) and empower the efficient allocation of resources, enhancing the overall security assessment process, using Python or Selenium.

#PE1M2

#LI-DNI

Certifications:Category:Information Technology

Please be advised that Fidelity's business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.


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