Penetration Testers
O*NET 15-1299.04 · SOC 15-1299
Penetration Tester is a solid career choice. Median pay is $117k a year with +5.1% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 27,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Conduct authorized simulated attacks on client networks and systems.
- →Exploit vulnerabilities to assess the depth of security weaknesses.
- →Write detailed penetration test reports with remediation recommendations.
- →Use tools like Metasploit to test application and network defenses.
- →Perform social engineering tests to evaluate employee security awareness.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Penetration Tester roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as a Penetration Tester? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Analytical, research labs, offices, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Penetration Tester involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Penetration Tester?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Penetration Tester Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Penetration Testers is projected to grow 5.1% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Penetration Tester make?
The median Penetration Tester earns $117k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Penetration Tester jobs?
Our model puts Penetration Tester at 43 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target.
Is Penetration Tester a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 27,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Penetration Tester?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Penetration Tester roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Penetration Tester?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Penetration Tester career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes