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Entry Level It Security Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level It Security information

See Washington salary details

$32.3K

$49.8K

$66.8K

How much do entry level it security jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level it security in Washington is $49,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $53,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level IT security job?

Entry level IT security jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the field of information security. These roles typically involve monitoring network activity, identifying potential security threats, assisting with the implementation of security measures, and supporting senior IT staff. Common entry level positions include Security Analyst, IT Security Technician, and Junior Security Engineer. These jobs often require foundational knowledge of computer systems, basic cybersecurity principles, and sometimes certifications like CompTIA Security+. Entry level IT security roles are a great way to gain hands-on experience and advance to more specialized positions in the future.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an entry level IT security professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level IT Security professional, you need a basic understanding of network security principles, risk assessment, and familiarity with operating systems, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Knowledge of security tools such as firewalls, antivirus software, SIEM systems, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help you effectively identify and address security threats. These skills are critical for protecting organizational data, responding to incidents, and supporting a secure IT environment.

What are common challenges faced by entry level IT security professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level IT Security professionals often encounter challenges such as staying updated with rapidly evolving threats, managing complex security tools, and effectively communicating risks to non-technical colleagues. To overcome these, it's important to proactively seek training opportunities, participate in knowledge-sharing within the team, and focus on developing both technical and soft skills. Many organizations provide mentorship or peer support, which can help beginners navigate new responsibilities and build confidence in their roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level IT Security vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectEntry Level IT SecurityCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA SecurityCompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level roles may not require CISSP)
Work EnvironmentIT departments, security teams, support rolesSecurity operations centers, IT security teams
Employer & Industry UsageVarious industries, entry-level positions in IT/securityFinancial, healthcare, tech firms focusing on security analysis

Entry Level IT Security roles focus on foundational security tasks, such as monitoring and basic threat management, often requiring basic certifications. Cybersecurity Analysts typically perform more in-depth security analysis, incident response, and threat detection, often with similar certifications but more specialized skills. Both roles are essential in protecting organizational assets, but Cybersecurity Analysts usually have more advanced responsibilities.

What are the easiest entry-level IT security jobs?

Entry-level IT security jobs often include roles such as security analyst, security technician, or cybersecurity technician. These positions typically require foundational knowledge of networks, basic understanding of security tools like firewalls and antivirus software, and may be accessible with certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Cisco's CCNA Security.

What are the most commonly searched types of It Security jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of It Security jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level It Security jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level It Security job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level It Security job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,792 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

IT Specialist (Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)/Cloud)

US Department of Homeland Security

Washington, DC • On-site

$121K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 294 rated public sector bodies


Job description

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A).
The primary purpose of this position is to provide information technology support, including data repositories, integrated systems, and cloud architectures as they relate to intelligence and analysis to the Secretary and the broad DHS Intelligence Enterprise (DHS IE), as well as DHS partners and customers to protect the homeland.
Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.Qualifications:Individual Occupational Requirement
This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement that must be met prior to meeting the specialized experience. Applicant must possess IT-related experience demonstrating each of the nine (9) competencies listed below:
  • Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  • Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
  • Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
  • Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
  • Interpersonal Skills - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations.
  • Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
  • Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
  • Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.
Specialized Experience:
You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess the specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal government, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service, in applying new technical practices to cybersecurity operations where precedents do not exist; assessing programs to determine where improvements in efficiencies and operations could be made; planning and implementing new operational cybersecurity programs; and providing managerial/administrative/technical leadership to the functions of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). (Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.)
You must have the specialized experience that has provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. In addition to the specialized experience described above, you must have related experience in each of the competencies listed below which must be supported by the information contained in your resume and other application materials:
  • Knowledge of the laws, policies, and regulations of the Information/Cybersecurity field such as FISMA, NIST, CNSSI and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
  • Knowledge of Cloud Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure and Cloud Security Concepts
  • Knowledge of IT Security, Cybersecurity, and Information Assurance concepts, practices, and procedures, program evaluation techniques, and an understanding of the internal and external control structure in order to perform a variety of IT Security program management assessments, and evaluations.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated experience in using various cybersecurity and information assurance techniques, methods and procedures for assessing the security posture of systems, networks, and data under the authority of the CIO office.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.
All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
This position is designated as Emergency Essential. Emergency Essential personnel must be able to serve during a continuity of operation event without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).
Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.Education:Not Applicable
Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Homeland Security employees say

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo

About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003