Penetration Tester
A Penetration Tester (ethical hacker) performs authorised security testing of systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities for Australian organisations and government agencies.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
High demand; the cyber security threat landscape is driving investment in offensive security testing.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- ACSAustralian Computer SocietyVisit official site →
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | New South Wales | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Conduct penetration testing of web applications, networks, and systems
- Exploit vulnerabilities in controlled test environments
- Prepare detailed pentest reports with findings and remediation recommendations
- Support vulnerability management and security improvement programs
Skills required
- Penetration testing tools (Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap)
- Web application and network attack techniques
- OWASP Top 10 and common vulnerability classes
- Report writing and stakeholder communication
Typical qualifications pathway
Bachelor's degree in IT; OSCP or CEH certification is highly valued. ACS assesses qualifications.
Visa & occupation list information
Listed on CSOL, enabling subclasses 186, 482, and 494 For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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