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Penetration Testers

Computer and Mathematical (15-1299)
Bright Outlook

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.

At a Glance

Penetration Testers earns a median of $108,970/yr with +8.2% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Attention to Detail, Integrity, Cautiousness.

Median Annual Wage

$108,970/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+8.2%

Annual Openings

31

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Skills & Requirements

Technology (66)

Microsoft Azure software

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft PowerShell

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft SQL Server

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
PHP

Category: Web platform development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Perl

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Structured query language SQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Active Directory

Category: Internet directory services software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP

Category: Web platform development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Python

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Go

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Google Android

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
UNIX

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Splunk Enterprise

Category: Cloud-based management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Shell script

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
IBM Terraform

Category: Configuration management software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
ServiceNow

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
JavaScript

Category: Web platform development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Kubernetes

Category: Application server software | Hot Technology

4.5
Linux

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Ruby

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition J2EE

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Amazon Web Services AWS software

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Ansible software

Category: Expert system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Apple iOS

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Apple macOS

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Bash

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
C

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Docker

Category: Application server software | Hot Technology

4.5
GitHub

Category: Application server software | Hot Technology

4.5
Nmap

Category: Transaction security and virus protection software

4.0
MITRE ATT&CK software

Category: Program testing software | In Demand

4.0
Portswigger BurP Suite

Category: Transaction security and virus protection software

4.0
Qualys Cloud Platform

Category: Cloud-based protection or security software

4.0
Kali Linux

Category: Program testing software

4.0
Firewall software

Category: Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software

4.0
Operating system software

Category: Operating system software

4.0
Metasploit

Category: Transaction security and virus protection software

4.0
Tenable Nessus

Category: Cloud-based protection or security software

4.0
Wireshark

Category: Network monitoring software

3.0
Database management systems

Category: Data base management system software

3.0
Ghidra

Category: Computer aided design CAD software

3.0
Google Cloud software

Category: Cloud-based management software

3.0
Hex-Rays IDA Pro

Category: Compiler and decompiler software

3.0
HP WebInspect

Category: Transaction security and virus protection software

3.0
IBM Middleware

Category: Transaction server software

3.0
IBM QRadar SIEM

Category: Network monitoring software

3.0
Invicti Acunetix

Category: Transaction security and virus protection software

3.0
Magellan Firmware

Category: Operating system software

3.0
Management information systems MIS

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software

3.0
Microsoft Azure DevOps Services

Category: Development environment software

3.0
Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript

Category: Development environment software

3.0
Objective C

Category: Object or component oriented development software

3.0
Rapid7 Nexpose

Category: Transaction security and virus protection software

3.0
Rapid7 software

Category: Transaction security and virus protection software

3.0
RESTful API

Category: Web platform development software | In Demand

3.0
Rust programming language

Category: Development environment software

3.0
Security assertion markup language SAML

Category: Web platform development software

3.0
Software development tools

Category: Development environment software

3.0
Software libraries

Category: Development environment software

3.0
System testing software

Category: Program testing software

3.0
Vector 35 Binary Ninja

Category: Compiler and decompiler software

3.0
Web application software

Category: Development environment software

3.0
Web server software

Category: Transaction server software

3.0

Work Styles (21)

Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

5.0
Integrity

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

5.0
Cautiousness

A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

5.0
Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

5.0
Intellectual Curiosity

A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

4.3
Achievement Orientation

A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

3.6
Perseverance

A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

2.9
Adaptability

A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

2.1
Innovation

A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

1.4
Stress Tolerance

A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

1.0
Social Orientation

A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

1.0
Optimism

A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

1.0
Cooperation

A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

1.0
Empathy

A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

1.0
Sincerity

A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

1.0
Initiative

A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

1.0
Tolerance for Ambiguity

A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

1.0
Self-Confidence

A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

1.0
Humility

A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

1.0
Leadership Orientation

A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

1.0
Self-Control

A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

1.0

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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