Career roadmap

How to become a Penetration Tester

$104,920 median/yr·Suits people who are strongly investigative

Median annual wage for Computer Occupations, All Other (15-1299) — BLS OEWS, May 2023.

What you would actually do

The tasks that make up the work of a Penetration Tester, weighted by how central each one is to the job.

Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
Analyze risks to minimize losses or damages.
Analyze security of systems, network, or data.
Develop computer or information systems.
Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.
Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
Develop testing routines or procedures.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Would this suit you?

Every occupation leans on a particular mix of interests. Here is the mix measured for a Penetration Tester — and our free 3-minute Career Match scores you on the same six.

Investigative5.2/7
Investigating, diagnosing, reasoning through problems with evidence
Conventional5.2/7
Ordering, checking, following a precise procedure accurately
Realistic3.9/7
Hands-on, practical, working with tools, machines or the body
Enterprising2.1/7
Persuading, leading, selling, taking commercial risk
Social2.0/7
Helping, teaching, caring for and working directly with people
Artistic1.3/7
Creating, expressing, working without a fixed procedure

See how you score — 3 min, free

Interest profiles from the O*NET 29.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0.