Career Overview
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.
Alternate Job Titles
- Application Security Assessor
- Application Security Hacker
- Application Security Tester
- Certified Hacker
- Certified Tester
- Consulting Advisory Tester
- Cyber Analyst
- Cyber Assessment Tester
- Cyber Assessor
- Cyber Security Engineer
- Cyber Security Tester
- Cyber Tester
- Cybersecurity Engineer (Cyber Engineer)
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Embedded Tester
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Innovation
- Adaptability
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Ansible software
- Apple iOS
- Apple macOS
- Bash
- C
- C#
- C++
- Docker
- GitHub
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Computer Occupations, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Penetration Testers.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $52,650 |
| Median | $108,970 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $176,800 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 439,380
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Information Security Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $108,970
Information Security Analysts
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $124,910
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $102,610
Computer Systems Analysts
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $103,790
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $108,970
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.