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Pentest Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Credit Sesame

Senior Security Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$170K - $215K/yr

Threat-model and pentest our AI/LLM systems - scope risks like prompt injection and data exfiltration through MCP servers, coordinate external pentests where needed, and drive remediation; * Maintain ...

Hydroform USA, Inc

Cybersecurity Specialist

Carson, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Security+, SSCP, CySA+, CISSP , PenTest+, or SecurityX or equivalent DoD 8140-aligned cybersecurity certification a plus * Experience with SIEM, Metasploit, audit logging, vulnerability scanning ...

SHEIN

Senior Security Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Experience coordinating third-party pentest vendors and managing remediation lifecycles. Benefits and Perks * Bonus eligible * Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs) * Health ...

SHEIN

Senior Security Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $149K/yr

Experience coordinating third-party pentest vendors and managing remediation lifecycles. Benefits and Perks * Bonus eligible * Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs) * Health ...

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How much do pentest jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for pentest in California is $22.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pentest?

Pentesters, also known as penetration testers, are cybersecurity professionals who simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or applications. Their goal is to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit. Pentesters use a variety of tools and techniques to assess security controls and provide recommendations for improving an organization's defenses. The results of their tests help organizations understand and mitigate potential risks. Pentesting is an essential part of maintaining robust cybersecurity.

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 strong knowledge of computer networks, operating systems, cybersecurity principles, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and certifications like CEH or OSCP are commonly required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately identifying vulnerabilities and reporting findings to clients or teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for uncovering security weaknesses and helping organizations strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.

What are some common challenges pentesters face when conducting security assessments in large organizations?

Pentesters in large organizations often encounter challenges such as navigating complex network architectures, obtaining appropriate permissions, and coordinating with multiple departments to minimize disruption. They must also balance thoroughness with tight deadlines and ensure clear communication of findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Adaptability and strong collaboration skills are crucial for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring a successful assessment.

What is the difference between Pentest vs Vulnerability Analyst?

AspectPentestVulnerability Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENOSCP, CEH, CISSP
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, simulated attacksVulnerability scanning, risk assessment
Employer & Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, IT departmentsSecurity teams, consulting firms

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, a Pentest involves actively exploiting vulnerabilities to identify security gaps, whereas a Vulnerability Analyst primarily assesses and reports on vulnerabilities without exploiting them. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in the same environments, but their core activities differ in approach and scope.

Is pentesting a good career?

Pentesting, or penetration testing, is a growing cybersecurity field that involves identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. It offers high demand for skilled professionals, competitive salaries, and opportunities for continuous learning with tools like Kali Linux and certifications such as OSCP. However, it requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and often involves working in high-pressure environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pentest jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pentest jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Pentest jobs in California?

For Pentest jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pentest jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pentest jobs in California are:

Pentest jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pentest job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,425 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Account Executive US (AI Pentest)

Aikido Security

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

We're making security suck less for developers.
Security tools haven't kept up with how software is built today. They interrupt teams, slow releases, and turn security into a bottleneck instead of a capability. We built Aikido to change that. Aikido builds developer-first security products that reduce real risk without getting in the way of shipping software. We focus on what actually matters and automate the rest.
We're taking on legacy security tools teams have been stuck with, and we're winning. If you want to help us take market share and build products developers actually enjoy using, you're in the right place.
Founded in 2022 by third-time founders, Aikido has $85M in the bank and a long runway ahead. We're building toward self-securing software. Join an all-star team. Take real ownership. Push boundaries. Build things that matter.
To bolster the go-to-market for this product, we're hiring a Go-to-Market Lead (AI Pentest) to take it into a wide-open market. The role requires someone sharp, driven, and fluent in pentesting or offensive security. Prior full-cycle selling experience in this space is a strong requirement since the job demands immediate execution.
If you've sold pentesting, red teaming, or offensive security tools, you'll be a strong fit.
Responsibilities
  • Reporting up to the SVP North America, you'll own the full sales cycle with pentesting firms across North America.
  • Build pipeline from scratch through direct outbound
  • Run technical conversations with security leaders and engineering buyers
  • Convert buyers who are actively evaluating similar tools
  • Drive early GTM execution across sales, partners, marketing, and internal teams
  • Activate select partners and resellers when useful to accelerate volume

  • 3-7+ years of SaaS or security sales, preferably in pentesting / offensive security
  • Comfortable prospecting and running your own outbound motion
  • Confident speaking about vulnerabilities, attack surfaces, and remediation
  • Experience selling to engineering and security teams
  • Organized, scrappy, and able to operate without a ton of handholding
  • Someone who wants to build, not inherit

What you can expect
  • Short decision lines. Big ownership. Shape the projects that matter and ship fast.
  • Grow as fast as we do. Take on more, own more, and carve out your own path.
  • Top-tier tech pay and equity.
  • High trust, strong values, zero corporate BS.
  • Flexibility in working hours.
  • A company that sticks to its values in an open and informal atmosphere.

We hire for talent, drive, and potential. Everything else is noise.

Apply