Skip to content226 live remote jobs open to Africa · paid in USDBrowse now
226 live remote jobs
Product
Jobs
By country
Careers
Resources
Start FreeSign In

Security · High demand

Penetration Tester Jobs

Break systems ethically so companies can fix them first. This page covers what the role involves day to day, the skills employers actually screen for, indicative remote salary bands and the fastest route to an offer when you are applying from Africa.

Start FreeSign In
Remote salary band
$32,000–$112,000
Hiring demand
High
Category
Security

Core skills employers screen for

  • OWASP — show it through a result, not a bullet in a skills list. Name the tool, the task and the measurable outcome.
  • Burp Suite — show it through a result, not a bullet in a skills list. Name the tool, the task and the measurable outcome.
  • Scripting — show it through a result, not a bullet in a skills list. Name the tool, the task and the measurable outcome.
  • Reporting — show it through a result, not a bullet in a skills list. Name the tool, the task and the measurable outcome.
  • Red teaming — show it through a result, not a bullet in a skills list. Name the tool, the task and the measurable outcome.

How to break in from Africa

For penetration tester roles the shortlist usually forms within 48 hours of posting, so speed matters as much as fit. Keep one strong ATS-clean CV per target title, let JobCopilot tailor it per application, and let automatic applications handle volume while you focus on interviews.

Build one portfolio artefact that proves the outcome — a repo, a dashboard, a written case study or a recorded walkthrough. It converts far better than another certificate.

FAQ

Penetration Tester jobs: questions

What does a penetration tester do?

A penetration tester is measured on outcomes rather than hours: the core of the job is applying owasp, burp suite, scripting to deliver work an employer can verify. Remote employers expect strong written communication and independent prioritisation on top of the technical core.

How much does a remote penetration tester earn?

Indicative global remote bands run $32,000–$112,000 per year depending on seniority, employer market and contract type. Candidates in Africa should anchor on the employer's market rate, not a local equivalent.

What skills do employers screen for?

OWASP, Burp Suite, Scripting, Reporting, Red teaming. These are the terms most applicant tracking systems match against, so they need to appear in your CV in the context of real results — not as a skills list.

How do I get a penetration tester job faster?

Pass an ATS scan above 85, keep your target titles narrow, and apply within hours of a role going live. JobCopilot automates the tailoring and submission so you consistently land in the earliest applicant cohort.

Keep going

Related careers and markets

Cybersecurity Analyst

Very high demand