What does a Penetration Tester do?

A penetration tester works across Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap to build and maintain systems in cybersecurity. Day-to-day, you'll be writing code, reviewing pull requests, debugging production issues, and collaborating with product and design teams. It's the kind of role where you need to balance getting things done with doing them well.

The people who do well in this role tend to be strong in Kali Linux, Web Application Testing, Network Penetration Testing, but more importantly, they know how to figure out what they don't know. Cybersecurity moves fast, and the best penetration testers are the ones who can adapt without needing someone to hand them a playbook every time something changes.

Right now, penetration tester roles pay in the range of $95,000 - $150,000, and most positions are looking for mid-level candidates. It's a competitive field, but companies are hiring. If you've got the right skills and can show real project work, you're in a strong position.

How to get there

Build your foundation in penetration tester

Before anything else, get solid on the fundamentals. For penetration tester roles, that means understanding Burp Suite and Metasploit at a level where you can explain them to someone else. Don't try to learn everything at once. Pick the core topics that show up in every job posting for this role and get genuinely good at them.

Get hands-on with Burp Suite and Metasploit and Nmap

Reading docs and watching tutorials won't get you hired. You need to actually build things with Burp Suite and Metasploit and Nmap. Set aside time every week to write code, run experiments, or practice in a real environment. Hiring managers can tell the difference between someone who has used a tool and someone who has just read about it.

Work on real projects

Set up a home lab and practice. Do CTF challenges. Write about vulnerabilities you find and how you would fix them. The goal is to have something concrete you can talk about in interviews. "I built X, it does Y, and here's what I learned" is worth more than any course certificate.

Get certified in OSCP (Offensive Security

For penetration tester roles, certifications like OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) actually carry weight with hiring managers. They won't get you the job on their own, but they signal that you've put in structured effort. If you're choosing between certifications, pick the one you see mentioned most in job postings for roles you want.

Target your first penetration tester role

Most penetration tester positions are mid-level and pay around $95,000 - $150,000. When you're applying, tailor your resume for each job. Use the exact skills and keywords from the posting. Don't be picky about company size or brand name early on. A role where you'll learn fast is more valuable than a prestigious name on your resume.

Grow from here

Once you've got a couple years as a penetration tester, you'll have options. Roles like Chief Information Security Officer, Security Architect, Information Security Manager are natural next steps in cybersecurity. The key is to keep building depth in your specialty while picking up broader skills like leadership, architecture, and cross-team collaboration. Your career path isn't a straight line, but this gives you a strong starting point.

Skills you'll need

These are the skills that show up most often in penetration tester job postings. You don't need all of them on day one, but you should be working toward them.

Burp SuiteMetasploitNmapKali LinuxWeb Application TestingNetwork Penetration TestingPython/BashActive Directory AttacksCloud Security TestingSocial EngineeringOWASP Testing Guide

Certifications that help

These won't get you hired on their own, but they show hiring managers you've put in real study time. Worth it if you're switching careers or don't have much experience yet.

OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)