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Penetration Testers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers. * U.S. citizenship required. * An active Secret security clearance. * Must have the ability to obtain a ...

Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers. * U.S. citizenship required. * An active Secret security clearance. * Must have the ability to obtain a ...

Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience with automated penetration tools Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience with manual penetration testing tools Demonstrated experience with ...

Responsibilities Bishop Fox is looking for experienced contract penetration testers with a primary focus in web application security and strong secondary expertise in cloud, mobile, source code ...

... penetration testing. • Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience with automated penetration tools • Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience with manual penetration testing tools • ...

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How much do penetration testers jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration testers 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 does a penetration tester do?

A penetration tester, also known as an ethical hacker, evaluates the security of computer systems, networks, and applications by simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities. They use tools like vulnerability scanners and exploit frameworks, often hold certifications such as OSCP or CEH, and work in environments that require strong technical skills and knowledge of cybersecurity best practices.

Is penetration tester a good career?

A penetration tester is a cybersecurity professional who assesses computer systems and networks for vulnerabilities using tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit. The role offers high demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for specialization and certification, such as OSCP or CISSP. It requires strong technical skills, problem-solving ability, and continuous learning to stay current with evolving threats.

How much do penetration testers make?

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.

What is the difference between Penetration Testers vs Security Analysts?

AspectPenetration TestersSecurity Analysts
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCISSP, Security+
Work EnvironmentSimulated attacks, offensive securityMonitoring, incident response
Employer & Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, IT departmentsCorporate, government, finance sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding offensive security rolesDefensive security roles

Penetration Testers focus on simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities, while Security Analysts monitor and respond to security threats. Both roles require cybersecurity certifications but differ in their approach—offensive versus defensive. Penetration Testers are proactive, testing systems for weaknesses, whereas Security Analysts are reactive, managing security incidents. Understanding these differences helps organizations build comprehensive security teams.

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What cities are hiring for Penetration Testers jobs?

Cities with the most Penetration Testers job openings:

What states have the most Penetration Testers jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Penetration Testers job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Tester / Active Secret

Peraton

Arlington, VA • On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 224 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking an experienced Cyber Penetration Tester to become part of Peratons' Federal Strategic Cyber programs. 

Location: Northern VA; Hybrid - flexible as long as person can come on-site as & when needed. 

In this role, you will:

  • Support the Red Cell Team by performing and leading penetration tests to assess the security of customer systems.
  • Identify vulnerabilities and develop recommended remediations to satisfy mandated NIST 800-53 security controls.
  • Report and demonstrate findings to system owners and engineers.
  • Maintain Red Cell infrastructure.
  • Develop or modify tools to automate discovery or exploitation.
Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science and 5 years experience, or a Master's of Science and 3 years of experience. In lieu of a degree, 4 years of additional  experience may be considered.
  • Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. 
  • Possess one of the following certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date:
    • CCNA Cyber Ops, CCNA-Security, CEH, CFR, Cloud+, CySA+, GCIA, GCIH, GICSP, SCYBER, Security+ CE, SSCP
  • Demonstrated experience with Kali Linux.
  • Demonstrated penetration testing tools experience with Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.
  • Demonstrated ability in evaluating vulnerabilities, performing root cause analysis, and reporting findings utilizing assessment methodologies such as NIST SP 800-115, Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), Information Systems Security Assessment Framework (ISSAF), OWASP Web Security Testing Guide (WTG), etc.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers.
  • U.S. citizenship required. 
  • An active Secret security clearance. 
    • Must have the ability to obtain a final Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred:

  • Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance.
  • One of the following certifications or an alternate, verifiable certification demonstrating IT security competence:
    • CompTIA CASP+
    • ISC2 Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP)
    • ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
    • ISC2 Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP)
  • One of the following certifications or an alternate, verifiable certification demonstrating practical penetration testing competence:
    • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
    • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
    • Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS)
    • TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT)
    • GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
    • Zero Point Security Red Team Ops II
  • Advanced understanding of the following:
    • NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) and the Assessment and Authorization (A&A) process.
    • Security principles such as CIA, IAAAA, access control models, risk management, etc.
    • Networking principles and technologies such as IP routing, TCP/UDP, VPNs, firewalls, NAT, etc.
    • Common network protocols such as SSH, FTP, SMTP, SMB, HTTP, etc.
    • Operating system principles such as process management, device management, user management, file systems, etc.
    • Data processing principles such as encoding, hashing, encryption, etc.
    • Scripting and programming languages such as Bash, Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, etc.
    • Common application vulnerabilities and exploits such as outdated components,
    • permissions mis-configurations, lack of input validation, logging/monitoring failures, etc.
    • Common web application vulnerabilities and exploits such as XSS, SQLi, LFI, file uploads, broken authentication mechanisms, etc.
    • Active Directory (AD) enumeration and attacks such as kerberoasting, AS-REP roasting, abusing mis-configured privileges, crafting golden tickets, etc.
    • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and navigating IT environments implementing multifactor authentication.
    • Cloud technologies and platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), etc.

#DSCM

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017