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Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking an experienced Cyber Penetration Tester to become part of Peratons' Federal Strategic Cyber programs. Location: Northern VA; Hybrid - flex as long as person can ...

Penetration Tester

Rensselaer, NY · On-site

$90 - $105/hr

Key Responsibilities Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment * Conduct penetration tests and vulnerability assessments for Java applications and infrastructure. * Identify security flaws in ...

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Principal Penetration TesterAltus Consulting seeks a seasoned cybersecurity professional to spearhead our penetration testing initiatives. As a key member of our elite team, you'll play a crucial ...

Principal Penetration Tester Altus Consulting seeks a seasoned cybersecurity professional to spearhead our penetration testing initiatives. As a key member of our elite team, you'll play a crucial ...

Penetration Tester Location: Reston, VA Work Mode - Hybrid role, 2 days' Work from Office (Wednesday and Thursday) Must have Skill Set - Red team pentester * Network penetration testing and ...

Penetration Tester

Portland, OR · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

We are looking to expand our team with the addition of a Penetration Tester (SE), but before we get into what the job is, let's start with why you would want to work with us!First and foremost, our ...

VTG is looking for multiple levels of Penetration Tester in Chantilly VA and Aurora CO. The role involves evaluating information systems and recommending changes to improve security posture, while ...

$90 - $130/hr

S.-based penetration testers as our team and client needs grow. How this works: These are 1099 subcontractor engagements, not W2 employment. Work is project-based and varies in scope and duration by ...

$90 - $105/hr

Key Responsibilities Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment * Conduct penetration tests and vulnerability assessments for Java applications and infrastructure. * Identify security flaws in ...

Description Penetration Tester Xcelerate Solutions is seeking a Penetration Tester to support CyberPRIMES cybersecurity, privacy, records and information management, and related enterprise support ...

Penetration Tester

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$125 - $155/hr

We're seeking a seasoned Penetration Tester to join our team. Your expertise in cloud penetration testing (FedRAMP and other compliance frameworks) and security best practices will be essential in ...

Showing results 21-40

Penetration Tester information

See salary details

$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 penetration tester?

Penetration Testers, also known as ethical hackers, are cybersecurity professionals who simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or applications to identify and address security vulnerabilities. Their work helps organizations discover weak points before malicious hackers can exploit them. Penetration testers use a variety of tools and techniques to mimic real-world threats and provide detailed reports with recommendations for improving security. They play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and integrity of an organization’s digital assets.

What does a penetration tester do?

As a penetration tester, your job is to test the security of a network by attempting to hack into an application, system, or computer. Penetration testing can occur in a variety of ways, from physical interaction with the machine you’re trying to hack to attacks sent over the web. Aside from helping clients test for vulnerabilities, your job also includes explaining how you got in and providing recommendations for stopping others from repeating your actions. In some cases, you may be asked to help investigate cyber crimes or explain methods and techniques in criminal trials. Success in this job is often measured by how many security holes you find and close.

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

To thrive as a Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of networking, operating systems, cybersecurity principles, and typically hold certifications like OSCP or CEH. Proficiency with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark is crucial for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help Penetration Testers effectively document findings and convey risks to clients. These skills and qualities are vital for uncovering security weaknesses and helping organizations strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.

What are some common challenges penetration testers face during client engagements?

Penetration testers often encounter challenges such as limited access to information, strict time constraints, and navigating complex or legacy systems. Additionally, they must balance thorough testing with minimizing disruptions to client operations. Effective communication is crucial, as testers need to clearly document findings and explain technical vulnerabilities to non-technical stakeholders to ensure remediation efforts are understood and prioritized.

What is the difference between Penetration Tester vs Vulnerability Analyst?

AspectPenetration TesterVulnerability Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCVE, CISSP, GIAC
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, simulated attacksVulnerability scanning, risk assessment
Employer & IndustryCybersecurity firms, IT departmentsSecurity teams, compliance agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding testing roles, skillsIdentifying vulnerabilities, analysis methods

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, a Penetration Tester actively exploits vulnerabilities to test security defenses, whereas a Vulnerability Analyst identifies and assesses weaknesses without exploiting them. Penetration Testers typically perform simulated attacks, requiring hands-on skills and certifications like OSCP or CEH. Vulnerability Analysts focus on scanning and reporting vulnerabilities, often working with tools like Nessus or Qualys. Both roles are essential for a comprehensive security strategy but differ in approach and responsibilities.

How much do penetration testers make?

Penetration testers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior professionals with advanced skills and certifications like OSCP or CISSP can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand markets.

Is penetration testing a hard job?

Penetration testing can be challenging as it requires strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of security vulnerabilities. The job often involves staying updated on new threats and using tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit, which can be complex for beginners. Success in this role depends on continuous learning and practical experience.

What cities are hiring for Penetration Tester jobs?

Cities with the most Penetration Tester job openings:

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

The most popular types of Penetration Tester jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Penetration Tester jobs?

The top employers for Penetration Tester jobs are:

What states have the most Penetration Tester jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

$126K - $243K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Accenture Federal Services rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 500 rated business services


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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