Penetration Testers

Overview

Penetration Testers has a national median salary of $116,580 per year, with +5.1% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Document penetration test findings.
• Identify security system weaknesses, using penetration tests.
• Write audit reports to communicate technical and procedural findings and recommend solutions.
• Gather cyber intelligence to identify vulnerabilities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of hacking trends.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Getting Information
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Analyzing Data or Information
• Processing Information
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
• Thinking Creatively

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a master's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Master's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a bachelor's degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Penetration Testers:

Video Resources