How to become a Penetration Tester

Also called: Ethical Hacker

Creates test cases using in-depth technical analysis of risks and typical vulnerabilities, and produces test scripts, materials and packs to test new and existing software or services. Plans, coordinates and conducts cyber threat emulation activities in support of certification, accreditation and operational priorities to verify deficiencies in technical security controls.

Main tasks

• Develops and executes penetration testing methodologies and strategies to identify weaknesses in security controls
• Creates test cases using in-depth technical analysis of risks and typical vulnerabilities
• Produces test scripts, materials and packs to test new and existing software or services for vulnerabilities
• Plans, coordinates and conducts cyber threat emulation activities to verify deficiencies in technical security controls, and provides recommendations for remediation
• Identifies vulnerability exploitations and potential attack vectors into a system, and analyses vulnerability scan results to assess security loopholes and threats
• May conduct phishing attacks or other tests to evaluate the effectiveness of security awareness training

Ways in

• University: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $131,924 a year
• About 186,100 people work in this job group now, and about 235,700 are projected by 2035. (+26.7%)
• Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Related jobs

• Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance Specialist
• Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Cyber Security Architect
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Cyber Security Operations Coordinator

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Penetration Tester?

Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees.

How much does a Penetration Tester earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $131,924 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Penetration Tester a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 27% by 2035, from about 186,100 to about 235,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Penetration Tester?

Usually. 82% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Penetration Tester?

Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04