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Pen Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Penetration Testing Experience Needed -Manual AND automated testing -Manual pen testing experience Need to be able to actually execute and understand tools/how to use. -If they have an ethical ...

The Pen Tester role will be responsible for performing comprehensive Risk and Vulnerability Analysis (RVA) assessments, functioning as penetration and purple team assessments. The role will be in ...

Preferred At least 2 years of experience in Security Testing (Web & Network Pen testing and Secure code analysis) Hands on security tester with proficiency in tools like HP Fortify, Web Inspect ...

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Pen Tester information

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$10

$38

$62

How much do pen tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for pen tester in the United States is $38.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pen tester?

Pen Testers, or penetration testers, are cybersecurity professionals who simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or applications to identify security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers. Their goal is to find and help fix security weaknesses before they can be used in real attacks. Pen Testers use a combination of automated tools and manual techniques to assess security, report their findings, and recommend remediation strategies. They play a crucial role in helping organizations improve their security posture and comply with industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pen tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pen Tester, you need a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, network protocols, and common vulnerabilities, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with penetration testing tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and certifications such as OSCP or CEH are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication help Pen Testers effectively identify risks and explain findings to technical and non-technical audiences. These skills are crucial for uncovering security weaknesses and helping organizations proactively defend against cyber threats.

What are some common challenges a pen tester faces when working with clients?

Pen Testers often encounter challenges such as limited access to necessary systems, incomplete documentation, or time constraints imposed by clients. Additionally, communicating technical findings in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders can be difficult but is crucial to ensure remediation of vulnerabilities. Building trust with clients, maintaining confidentiality, and adapting to rapidly evolving security landscapes are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Pen Tester vs Vulnerability Analyst?

AspectPen TesterVulnerability Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENOSCP, CEH, CISSP
Work EnvironmentSimulated attacks, penetration testing labsVulnerability scanning, risk assessment
Employer & IndustryCybersecurity firms, IT departmentsSecurity teams, consulting firms

While both roles focus on security, Pen Testers actively exploit vulnerabilities to identify weaknesses, whereas Vulnerability Analysts primarily assess and report on security flaws. Pen Testers perform hands-on testing, often in simulated environments, while Vulnerability Analysts analyze scan results and recommend fixes. Both roles are essential in cybersecurity but differ in approach and daily tasks.

Are pen testers in high demand?

Pen testers, or penetration testers, are in high demand due to increasing cybersecurity threats and the need for organizations to identify vulnerabilities. The role often requires knowledge of security tools, scripting, and certifications like OSCP or CEH, and job growth is expected to remain strong in the cybersecurity field.

How difficult is it to become a pen tester?

Becoming a penetration tester typically requires a strong understanding of networking, operating systems, and security principles, along with proficiency in tools like Kali Linux and scripting languages. Gaining relevant certifications such as the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) can improve job prospects, but the role often demands continuous learning and practical experience to stay current with evolving threats.

How do you become a pen tester?

To become a penetration tester, you typically need a strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and security principles, often gained through a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields. Gaining hands-on experience with tools like Kali Linux, Metasploit, and Wireshark, along with industry certifications such as the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), can improve job prospects. Continuous learning and staying updated on the latest vulnerabilities and attack techniques are essential in this field.

What qualifications do you need to be a pen tester?

To become a penetration tester, candidates typically need a strong understanding of computer networks, operating systems, and security principles. Relevant certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) are highly valued, along with experience in scripting, programming, and using security tools like Kali Linux or Metasploit.
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What cities are hiring for Pen Tester jobs?

Cities with the most Pen Tester job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Pen Tester jobs?

The most popular types of Pen Tester jobs are:

What states have the most Pen Tester jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pen Tester jobs include:

Infographic showing various Pen Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 57% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,791 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

$126K - $243K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Accenture Federal Services rating

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Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

At Accenture Federal Services, nothing matters more than helping the US federal government make the nation stronger and safer and life better for people. Our 13,000+ people are united in a shared purpose to pursue the limitless potential of technology and ingenuity for clients across defense, national security, public safety, civilian, and military health organizations.
Join Accenture Federal Services, a technology company within global Accenture. Recognized as a Glassdoor Top 100 Best Place to Work, we offer a collaborative and caring community where you feel like you belong and are empowered to grow, learn and thrive through hands-on experience, certifications, industry training and more.
Join us to drive positive, lasting change that moves missions and the government forward!
Penetration Tester
Overview
We are seeking a Penetration Tester to design, coordinate, and execute a modern, scalable penetration-testing program. This role will unify penetration-testing activities across network, application, and cloud environments, ensuring consistent execution, standardized reporting, and alignment with enterprise security and risk-management objectives.
The Pen Tester will also guide the integration of automated and AI-assisted testing capabilities into the organization's Agentic AI architecture, improving speed, accuracy, and repeatability of offensive security operations.
You Will:
Program Leadership & Governance
  • Consolidate ad-hoc penetration-testing efforts into a unified enterprise pen-testing program with standard methodologies, processes, and reporting.
  • Establish and maintain Rules of Engagement (ROE) for all testing activities, defining scope, communication protocols, safety constraints, escalation paths, and evidence-handling guidelines.
  • Coordinate and supervise all test execution activities, including internal teams, contractors, and third-party assessors.

Technical Execution & Delivery
  • Plan and execute network, application, and cloud penetration tests under the approved ROE.
  • Combine manual tradecraft with AI-assisted offensive-security tooling to increase depth and coverage of assessments.
  • Produce detailed evidence packages, exploitation artifacts, and findings reports that support remediation and root-cause analysis.
  • Work with product teams, system owners, and DevSecOps/Cloud teams to validate findings and retest fixes.

Tooling & AI Integration
  • Integrate penetration-testing tools, automation frameworks, and exploit-development workflows into the Agentic AI security architecture.
  • Recommend tooling enhancements, AI-driven analysis approaches, and automation opportunities.

Risk & Vulnerability Management
  • Conduct technical risk assessments across systems to determine likelihood, impact, and exploitation feasibility.
  • Analyze risk vectors to prioritize vulnerabilities and perform triage across multiple findings sources (manual, automated, AI-assisted, third-party).
  • Partner with vulnerability-management, SOC, threat-intelligence, and engineering teams to drive remediation activities.

Here's what you need:
  • Two years of Penetration-Testing experience
  • Penetration testing experience across at least two of the following domains: network, cloud, web application, identity, or containerized environments.
  • Experience operating within defined Rules of Engagement.
  • Proficiency with common offensive-security tools (e.g., Burp Suite, Cobalt Strike, Metasploit, BloodHound).
  • Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation, findings reports, and remediation guidance.

Nice to Haves:
  • Experience developing custom exploits, automation scripts, or AI-augmented testing workflows.
  • Familiarity integrating tooling into agent-based or Agentic AI architectures.
  • Prior experience leading penetration-testing teams or programs.
  • Industry certifications such as OSCP, OSWE, OSEP, CRTO, GPEN, or equivalent.

As required by local law, Accenture Federal Services provides reasonable ranges of compensation for hired roles based on labor costs in the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia, and the city of Cleveland. The base pay range for this position in these locations is shown below. Compensation for roles at Accenture Federal Services varies depending on a wide array of factors, including but not limited to office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Accenture Federal Services offers a wide variety of benefits. You can find more information on benefits here. We accept applications on an on-going basis and there is no fixed deadline to apply.
The pay range for the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia, and the city of Cleveland is:
$126,300-$243,100 USD
What We Believe
As a company wholly dedicated to serving the US federal government, we bring together the best talent to help reinvent how federal agencies operate and deliver greater value for their mission and the American people. We have an unwavering commitment to creating a culture in which all our people are respected, feel a sense of belonging, and have equal opportunity. As a business imperative, every person at Accenture Federal Services has the responsibility to create and sustain a culture where everyone feels welcomed and included. This is grounded in our core values and our experience that hiring and developing great people who reflect different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds is key to driving innovation and delivering the results that our clients and the country count on.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Our rich diversity makes us more innovative, more competitive, and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities. For details, view a copy of the Accenture Federal Services Equal Opportunity Policy Statement.
Accenture Federal Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Additionally, as an Affirmative Action Employer for Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, Accenture Federal Services is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.
Requesting An Accommodation
Accenture Federal Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Accenture Federal Services and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired.
If youare being considered for employment opportunities with Accenture Federal Services and need an accommodation for a disability or religious observance during the interview process or for the job you are interviewing for, please speak with your recruiter.
Other Employment Statements
Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.
Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture Federal Services or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration.
Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process.
The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Additionally, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Company's legal duty to furnish information.
California requires additional notifications for applicants and employees. If you are a California resident, live in or plan to work from Los Angeles County upon being hired for this position, please click here for additional important information.

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