Perform manual penetration testing of web applications, APIs, internal and external networks, iOS and Android mobile applications * Work as a member of a pentest team, collaborating and engaging ...
Perform manual penetration testing of web applications, APIs, internal and external networks, iOS and Android mobile applications * Work as a member of a pentest team, collaborating and engaging ...
Security Research Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
$120K - $175K/yr
Conduct original offensive security research across web, cloud, infrastructure, and AI/LLM attack ... Participate in architecture and design reviews with a focus on the pentester's workflow * Help ...
Security Research Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
$120K - $175K/yr
Conduct original offensive security research across web, cloud, infrastructure, and AI/LLM attack ... Participate in architecture and design reviews with a focus on the pentester's workflow * Help ...
Perform manual penetration testing of web applications, APIs, internal and external networks, iOS and Android mobile applications * Work as a member of a pentest team, collaborating and engaging ...
Perform manual penetration testing of web applications, APIs, internal and external networks, iOS and Android mobile applications * Work as a member of a pentest team, collaborating and engaging ...
Web Pentester information
See salary details
$39K - $48.5K
13% of jobs
$55.4K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$48.5K - $58.1K
17% of jobs
$58.1K - $67.6K
10% of jobs
The median wage is $74K / yr.
$67.6K - $77.2K
16% of jobs
$77.2K - $86.7K
17% of jobs
$89.4K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$86.7K - $96.3K
10% of jobs
$96.3K - $105.8K
5% of jobs
$105.8K - $115.4K
3% of jobs
$115.4K - $124.9K
1% of jobs
$124.9K - $134.5K
3% of jobs
$134.5K - $144K
5% of jobs
$39K
$80.9K
$144K
How much do web pentester jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for web pentester in the United States is $80,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a web pentester?
Web pentesters, or web penetration testers, are cybersecurity professionals who assess the security of web applications by simulating cyberattacks. Their main goal is to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit and provide recommendations to strengthen the application's defenses. They use a combination of automated tools and manual testing techniques to evaluate issues like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and authentication flaws. Web pentesters play a crucial role in helping organizations protect sensitive data and maintain the trust of their users.
What are some common challenges web pentesters face when conducting assessments for large organizations?
Web Pentesters working with large organizations often encounter challenges such as complex web application architectures, diverse technology stacks, and strict security protocols that limit testing methods. Coordinating with multiple teams, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations, and navigating change management procedures can also add complexity to the assessment process. Additionally, staying updated with the latest vulnerabilities and tools is crucial due to the rapidly evolving security landscape. Clear communication and thorough documentation are essential to ensure findings are well understood and remediation steps are actionable.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a web pentester, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Web Pentester, you need strong knowledge of web application security principles, programming languages (such as JavaScript, Python, or PHP), and common vulnerabilities like OWASP Top 10, often supported by certifications like OSCP or CEH. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, and Metasploit is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills to report findings and collaborate with development teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for identifying, documenting, and mitigating web security risks to protect organizations from cyber threats.
What is the difference between Web Pentester vs Penetration Tester?
| Aspect | Web Pentester | Penetration Tester |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | CEH, OSCP, GPEN | CEH, OSCP, GPEN |
| Work Environment | Focus on web applications and APIs | Broader scope including networks, systems, and applications |
| Industry Usage | Primarily in cybersecurity firms, tech companies, and consulting | In various sectors including finance, government, and tech |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Specific to web security testing | General security testing across multiple domains |
Web Pentesters specialize in testing the security of web applications and APIs, often requiring certifications like CEH or OSCP. Penetration Testers have a broader scope, assessing networks, systems, and applications. While Web Pentesters focus on web-specific vulnerabilities, Penetration Testers perform comprehensive security assessments across various environments.
More about Web Pentester jobs
What job categories do people searching Web Pentester jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Web Pentester jobs are:
Cobalt Core Pentester - US Remote-Only
Remote
Cobalt
Part-time
Re-posted 7 days ago
Job description
Who We Are
The Cobalt Core is a community of highly skilled security pentesters who are passionate about what they do and strive to deliver quality work. This curated community is made up of security professionals with years of experience as well as talented pentesters who are eager to hone their trade and showcase their skills. They all have a strong drive to keep up-to-date on the latest vulnerabilities and exploits, and the tools and methodologies to find them.
Cobalt Core members believe that sharing ideas and collaborating with peers is the best way to achieve great results.
If you believe you would be a good fit to join the Cobalt Core, and are eager to contribute to the community and participate in the pentests running on the Cobalt platform, please apply.
If you are currently residing outside of the USA, please apply here.
Who You Are
- Based in the USA
- Minimum of 4+ years of Pentesting or similar experience (mid-level)
- Professional demeanor
- Respectful towards others
- Take pride in the work you produce
- Strong work ethic with attention to detail
- Desire to be an expert within your field
- Deep understanding of application security
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Collaborative spirit
What You'll Do
- Perform manual penetration testing of web applications, APIs, internal and external networks, iOS and Android mobile applications
- Work as a member of a pentest team, collaborating and engaging directly with the client
- Document in detail the results of assessments, audits, tests, and verification activities
- Perform manual validation of vulnerabilities
- Perform mobile and web app pentesting for OWASP top 10 vulnerabilities.
- The following certifications are a plus:
- CREST, PenTest+, GPEN, CEH, OSCP, AWS, CISSP, eCPPT, eWAPT, OSCE, OSWE
- Please note that this is a freelance, part-time position available only to Pentesters residing within the USA.
Why You Should Join Us
- Work with and learn from other highly skilled security researchers
- Get to work on many different interesting projects and applications
- Flexible work hours
- Make the internet more secure - one application at a time
- Professional and career development
- Get compensated for your time and effort
Application Process
- Application - Becoming part of the Cobalt Core is a highly selective process, and only the best applicants will be invited to next steps in the on boarding process. Preference will be given to applicants who come referred by other Cobalt Core pentesters.
- Chat with a Cobalt representative - Get to know about Cobalt and how we work. We will also want to know about you, your experience, strengths and what drives you. If we all think it's a great fit, we will explore how we can work together!
- Technical Skills Assessment to demonstrate your technical acumen and reporting.
- Getting setup on the Cobalt platform + Background Check & ID Verification - In this step we will make sure you are all set up for success, and we will also ask you to pass a Background Check & ID Verification.
- Start working on cool projects!
Applicants need apply only once, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please note that this is a freelance, part-time position available only to Pentesters residing within the USA. Applicants outside of the US will not be considered if you apply through this job posting.