Penetration Testers

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.

Most important skills

Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Programming
Active Learning
Systems Evaluation

Key knowledge

Computers and Electronics
Telecommunications
Engineering and Technology
English Language
Customer and Personal Service
Law and Government
Education and Training
Administration and Management

What the work involves

Assess the physical security of servers, systems, or network devices to identify vulnerability to temperature, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Collect stakeholder data to evaluate risk and to develop mitigation strategies.
Conduct network and security system audits, using established criteria.
Configure information systems to incorporate principles of least functionality and least access.
Design security solutions to address known device vulnerabilities.
Develop and execute tests that simulate the techniques of known cyber threat actors.
Develop infiltration tests that exploit device vulnerabilities.
Develop presentations on threat intelligence.

Strongest interest areas (O*NET): Investigative, Conventional, Realistic.

Qualifications and licensing

Most common education: Bachelor's Degree (40% of expert ratings)
Related experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (45%)
On-the-job training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (35%)
Preparation level: O*NET job zone 4: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Licensing: Not yet verified. Check your state licensing board.

Check before planning

Licensing for Penetration Testers is not yet verified for any state: check the state licensing board before planning.
Projection education uses SOC 15-1299 (detailed_parent); it may describe a broader group.

Limits

Distributions show what current workers or occupational experts report, not legal minimums.
Requirements vary by employer and state; time to qualify is not estimated.

Source: O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections · dataset 2026.10.8 · method e3-qualification-1.0.0

Work environment

How the typical conditions of this occupation compare with 911 occupations in O*NET (very low = the lowest fifth).

Levels are relative. Most occupations involve a lot of contact with people, for example, so “very low” can still mean regular contact; the last column shows what workers actually reported.

Rankings compare typical U.S. occupation-level work conditions; individual jobs and employers vary. Data: O*NET 31.0 Work Context and BLS wages (May 2025).
Condition	Level	Compared with other occupations	Most common answer (O*NET survey)
Contact with others	Low	Lower on contact with others than 76% of occupations compared	40% of surveyed respondents chose “Constant contact with others”
Dealing with the public	Moderate	Higher on dealing with the public than 53% of occupations compared	30% of surveyed respondents chose “Extremely important”
Teamwork	Low	Lower on teamwork than 63% of occupations compared	42% of surveyed respondents chose “Very important”
Freedom to make decisions	Moderate	Higher on freedom to make decisions than 57% of occupations compared	45% of surveyed respondents chose “A lot of freedom”
Time pressure	High	Higher on time pressure than 73% of occupations compared	65% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a week or more but not every day”
Conflict situations	Moderate	Lower on conflict situations than 52% of occupations compared	45% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a month or more but not every week”
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people	Very low	Lower on dealing with unpleasant or angry people than 82% of occupations compared	58% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a year or more but not every month”
Consequence of error	Very high	Higher on consequence of error than 81% of occupations compared	37% of surveyed respondents chose “Very serious”

Work-pressure profile

Time pressure: high
Conflict situations: moderate
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people: very low
Consequence of error: very high

Each part is shown on its own. There is no combined stress score, and conditions vary by employer and role.

Full answer distributions