Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand industries today, and penetration testing sits at the heart of it. Businesses need people who can think like attackers—but act with purpose—to help them stay safe. That’s exactly what penetration testers do.
This blog will walk you through the job opportunities in penetration testing, the career paths you can take, and how to get started. Whether you’re switching careers, just getting into tech, or looking for your next move, this guide breaks it down simply.
What Is Penetration Testing (In Job Terms)?
Penetration testing involves the act of ethically attempting to hack into a system in order to find weaknesses before someone with a malicious intent will get to it. Instead of creating damage, the weakness finds and fixes them. They test applications, networks, cloud systems, and even physical setups.
You will find different job titles. Depending on the listing you may see listings for ethical hacker, security consultant, or red team analyst—but the core idea is the same: simulate attacks, find flaws, and report the risks.
If you’ve read our full guide on penetration testing, you already know it’s not just about tools—it’s about protecting real businesses.
Most Common Penetration Testing Job Titles
As you move through your career, you’ll likely see or grow into one of these roles:
- Junior Penetration Tester – Assists in running tests, scans, and reports. Often learns under the guidance of senior staff.
- Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker – Mid-level role that runs tests independently. Handles tools like Burp Suite, Nmap, and Metasploit.
- Senior Penetration Tester – Leads testing projects, mentors juniors, and deals with complex environments like hybrid cloud setups.
- Red Team Operator – Specializes in advanced simulations to test an organization’s real-world response.
- Security Consultant – Broader client-facing role that includes pen testing, compliance, and advisory services.
Each job often requires familiarity with different tools. If you’re wondering which ones are used in the field, check out our list of essential penetration testing tools for pros.
Where Penetration Testers Work
There’s no one-size-fits-all job setting. Here are the main environments where pen testers work:
- In-house security teams: Focused on protecting the company’s internal assets. Stable, but limited to one system type.
- Consulting firms: You’ll work with a range of clients and industries. Fast-paced and high variety.
- Freelance or contract roles: Flexible and often well-paid, but requires business skills and self-management.
- Government and defense: Often involves clearance, long-term projects, and testing at scale.
If you’re interested in consulting models, penetration testing as a service is one approach businesses use to bring in outside testing expertise.
Top Industries Hiring Penetration Testers
Some industries face more threats than others. That’s where pen testers are needed most:
- Finance: Protects sensitive data and must meet strict regulations.
- Healthcare: Secures patient records and medical devices.
- Government: Guards national data and digital infrastructure.
- Tech companies: Especially startups that move fast and scale quickly.
- Cloud service providers: Ensures client data stays secure in remote servers.
- E-commerce: Keeps customer information and transactions safe.
Important Skills You Need (Technical + Soft Skills)
To succeed, you’ll need more than just technical knowledge. Both hard and soft skills matter.
Technical Skills:
- Networking and system fundamentals
- Web application testing
- Familiarity with tools like Burp Suite, Metasploit, Wireshark
- Basic scripting in Python, Bash, or PowerShell
Soft Skills:
- Clear report writing
- Communication with technical and non-technical teams
- Analytical thinking and curiosity
How Much Do Penetration Testers Earn?
Pay depends on your experience, location, and certifications. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Junior roles: $60,000 to $85,000 annually
- Mid-level: $85,000 to $120,000
- Senior or red team: $120,000 to $160,000 or more
Freelancers may charge $75–$200 per hour depending on skill level. Salaries also grow with specialization and certifications.
We’ve broken this down more deeply in our full article on penetration testing pay if you want to see what influences these numbers.
How to Land a Penetration Testing Job
If you’re starting from scratch, here is a full-blown action plan that can help your entry into the penetration testing profession.
Step 1. Learn the basics
Study networking essentials, operating systems, and some basic cybersecurity concepts. You don’t have to master any of these. Just get the fundamentals right.
Step 2. Practice regularly
Create a home lab, play with virtual machines, practice on free or inexpensive sites such as TryHackMe and Hack The Box, and do some CTF challenges. That shows some real motivation and builds confidence.
Step 3.Earn certifications
Pick an entry-level credential like eJPT or CEH to show employers you mean business. Work on something as tough as OSCP or GPEN as you advance.
Step 4.Build a portfolio
Any progress you make should be documented. Blog posts, GitHub repos, and walkthroughs of labs and CTFs will give you something tangible to show in interviews.
Step 5. Apply smart
Focus on junior jobs, internships, apprenticeships, or even security analyst positions with some penetration testing. Even helpdesk work gets you in the door.
Bonus tip: Network in the cybersecurity communities. Join Discords, take part in virtual events, and raise your hands with questions. Folks get jobs by networking, not just sending in resumes.
Even without the formal school training, many testers find their way in by showing they can do the work. Employers want problem solvers who think critically and have genuine curiosity about the business. Always learn, always show up—and that will give you an edge.
Career Growth and Future Opportunities
Once you’re in, your path doesn’t stop:
- Red Teaming – Simulates real attackers.
- Purple Teaming – Blends offensive and defensive strategies.
- Consulting or Leadership – Advises clients or leads internal teams.
- Freelance/Contracting – Offers high pay and flexibility.
Why This Field Will Keep Growing
Penetration testing is here to stay. Here’s why:
- Attacks are getting smarter and more frequent.
- Businesses need to meet compliance standards.
- Cloud adoption and remote work expand attack surfaces.
- There’s a global shortage of skilled testers.
That means companies will keep hiring, and testers will keep growing.
Final Thoughts: Your Path into Cybersecurity Starts Here
Penetration testing offers more than just a job. It gives you a way to make a real impact, learn every day, and build a high-value skill set.
Whether you start as a junior, freelance, or work in-house, the opportunities are wide open. Learn the skills, stay curious, and grow steadily.
And when your work helps improve a business’s cybersecurity posture, you become someone they can trust—and someone they’ll want to keep.
If you’re ready to start your journey, now’s the time. The field is waiting for people like you.
