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Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester Jobs

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Penetration Tester

San Diego, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Sunnyvale, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Fayetteville, NC · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Santa Maria, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Orange, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Dayton, OH · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Miami, FL · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Omaha, NE · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Port Saint Lucie, FL · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Virginia Beach, VA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Houston, TX · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Fargo, ND · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

DataAnnotation

Penetration Tester

Denton, TX · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

DataAnnotation

Penetration Tester

Georgetown, TX · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

DataAnnotation

Penetration Tester

Vancouver, WA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

DataAnnotation

Penetration Tester

New Braunfels, TX · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Penetration Tester

Spokane Valley, WA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

DataAnnotation

Penetration Tester

Modesto, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

DataAnnotation

Penetration Tester

Gresham, OR · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI -- but these systems still need ... as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware ...

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Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do entry level cybersecurity penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level cybersecurity penetration tester in the United States is $119,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Cybersecurity Penetration TesterCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level)
Work EnvironmentSimulated attacks, testing security systemsMonitoring, analyzing security events
Primary FocusIdentifying vulnerabilities through penetration testingDetecting and responding to security threats
Industry UsageSecurity testing firms, IT departmentsAll industries, corporate security teams

While both roles require foundational cybersecurity knowledge and certifications, the Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester focuses on proactively testing systems for vulnerabilities, whereas the Cybersecurity Analyst monitors and responds to security incidents. Both are essential for a comprehensive security strategy but serve different functions within an organization.

What does an Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester do?

An Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester is responsible for identifying and assessing security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. They use various tools and techniques to simulate cyberattacks, helping organizations find and fix weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. Typically, they work under the supervision of senior testers, document their findings, and may help create reports or recommend security improvements. This role is a starting point for a career in ethical hacking and cybersecurity consulting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of networking, operating systems, and basic security principles, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH are commonly expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, explaining findings to stakeholders, and helping organizations strengthen their security posture.

What does a typical week look like for an entry level cybersecurity penetration tester in terms of tasks and team collaboration?

As an entry level cybersecurity penetration tester, your week typically involves planning and executing controlled attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities, documenting your findings, and participating in debrief meetings with clients or internal teams. You'll often work closely with more experienced testers, security analysts, and IT staff to coordinate testing efforts and understand the systems under review. Regular collaboration is key, especially when interpreting results and developing mitigation strategies. You can also expect to spend time learning new tools and techniques, as staying updated is essential in this rapidly changing field.
More about Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs? The most popular types of Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs are:
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Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 3% As Needed, 12% Full Time, 68% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 59% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.
Penetration Tester

Penetration Tester

DataAnnotation

San Diego, CA • Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

About the job:

Contribute to developing cutting-edge AI systems, while enjoying the flexibility of remote work and setting your own schedule.

We are looking for existing cybersecurity professionals to help advance AI development. Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI — but these systems still need practitioners with real-world experience to validate whether the outputs actually hold up in practice. That's where you come in.

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security content, solving technical security problems, and providing feedback that directly shapes how these systems reason about real-world threats and defenses.

To get started, once you sign up for an account, you'll take a short assessment (this serves as our version of an interview). If you pass, you'll receive an email confirmation, and paid work will become available to you through our platform.

Advantages of contracting with us:

  • Fully remote: work from anywhere in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Flexible schedule: choose which projects you take on and when you work.
  • You work on your own schedule, on your own computer, from the comfort of your own home
  • Projects are paid hourly starting at $50-100+/hr, with bonus rates available on some projects
  • Impact: help shape the future of AI technologies built for cybersecurity.

Responsibilities:

  • Evaluate AI-generated cybersecurity content — including threat analysis, vulnerability assessments, and offensive security techniques — for real-world accuracy and validity.
  • Design and solve security-focused technical problems used to train AI systems.
  • Write clear technical explanations and security-relevant code.
  • Provide feedback that directly shapes the next generation of AI security models.

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in a cybersecurity role — such as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government or military cyber operations.
  • Some coding experience required; comfort navigating and patching a codebase is key.
  • Fluency in English (native or bilingual level) with strong writing skills.
  • A bachelor's degree is preferred.
  • Cybersecurity certifications are a plus (e.g., OSCP, CRTO, GREM, GCFA, CEH, and similar).

Note: Payment is made via PayPal. We will never ask for any money from you. This job is only available to those in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. This is an independent contractor position.

#cybersecurity