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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Penetration Testers

Median Salary
104,920
Job Outlook
N/A

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

67%

State and local government

15%

Private not for profit

9%

Federal Government

5%

Self-employed

4%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

No data available for this section.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$43,600

10%

$104,920

Median

$135,740

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

No data available for this section.


Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Information Science/Studies
  • Bioinformatics
  • Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
  • Computer Science
  • Medical Informatics
  • Information Technology Project Management
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Computational Science
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Computational Biology
  • Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician
  • Accounting and Computer Science
  • Cheminformatics/Chemistry Informatics

Skills and Interests

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

No data available for this section.


What knowledge should you bring to the table?

No data available for this section.


What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

No data available for this section.


What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.