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Entry Level Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Netrio

Associate Penetration Tester

This entry-level role focuses on internal and external network penetration testing. You'll work alongside senior testers on live client engagements from the start. Responsibilities • Conduct ...

DIHO Consulting USA

$16 - $20/hr

DIHO Consulting USA is seeking applicants for the Entry-Level Construction Materials Testing ... Pile monitoring during installation to document capacity, penetration, and blow counts * Produce ...

IBM

Hacker Intern 2027

Austin, TX · On-site

We are looking for Intern Hackers to join our Penetration Testing team. In this role, you'll ... entry-level positions. You'll receive a status update email for each application, so be sure to ...

IBM

... entry-level positions. You'll receive a status update email for each application, so be sure to ... Support penetration testing activities across applications, networks, cloud environments, devices ...

IBM

Hacker Intern 2027

Austin, TX · On-site

... entry-level positions. You'll receive a status update email for each application, so be sure to ... Support penetration testing activities across applications, networks, cloud environments, devices ...

IBM

Hacker Intern 2027

Austin, TX

... entry-level positions. You'll receive a status update email for each application, so be sure to ... Support penetration testing activities across applications, networks, cloud environments, devices ...

IBM

X-Force Associate Hacker 2027

Austin, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

We are looking for Associate Hackers to join our Penetration testing team. Are you passionate about ... entry-level positions. You'll receive a status update email for each application, so be sure to ...

PurpleBox, Inc.

Cybersecurity Analyst

Atlanta, GA

Multiple Cybersecurity Analyst and Engineer Positions are available. * Entry Level to Mid & Senior ... As part of security testing services, performing penetration testing, ethical hacking, and security ...

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Entry Level Penetration Tester information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 an entry level penetration tester?

Entry level penetration testers are cybersecurity professionals who are responsible for identifying and evaluating security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. They use a variety of tools and techniques to simulate cyberattacks, helping organizations strengthen their defenses. Typically, entry level penetration testers work under the guidance of more experienced team members and are involved in tasks such as vulnerability scanning, basic exploitation, and reporting findings. This role often serves as a starting point for a career in ethical hacking or cybersecurity consulting.

What does an entry level penetration tester do?

As an entry-level penetration tester, your job is to help a company test its network security by attempting to break into it. To accomplish this, you may assist with pre-designed penetration attempts, conduct a vulnerability scan to search for any obvious points of entry, and configure attack tools for the system you are targeting. You may also help troubleshoot security issues and otherwise develop your cyber intrusion skills. This is an entry-level role, so your primary job is studying penetration techniques and documenting your activities to help software designers understand how you breached the system and what they can do to repair it.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level penetration tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity fundamentals, often backed by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH, is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for identifying vulnerabilities, reporting findings clearly, and contributing to an organization's security posture.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level penetration testers during their first year on the job?

Entry-level penetration testers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving security tools and methodologies, learning to communicate technical findings in clear, actionable reports, and managing time effectively across multiple projects. Additionally, they may need to quickly become familiar with diverse IT environments and collaborate with experienced team members and clients to address vulnerabilities. Overcoming these challenges is a valuable part of the learning curve and helps build a strong foundation for future growth in cybersecurity.

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

AspectEntry Level Penetration TesterCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level roles)
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, simulated attacks, security assessmentsMonitoring, analyzing security systems, incident response
Industry UsageSecurity firms, IT departments, consultingCorporate, government, financial sectors

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, an Entry Level Penetration Tester primarily conducts simulated attacks to identify vulnerabilities, requiring certifications like CEH. A Cybersecurity Analyst monitors security systems and responds to threats, often with certifications like Security+ or CISSP. The roles differ in daily tasks but share foundational security knowledge and certifications.

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Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 66% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Associate Penetration Tester

Netrio

Remote

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the Role
We deliver offensive security assessments to clients across a range of industries. This entry-level role focuses on internal and external network penetration testing. You'll work alongside senior testers on live client engagements from the start.
Responsibilities
• Conduct external network penetration tests: attack surface enumeration, service and application discovery, credential attacks, and exploitation of exposed services within an approved scope
• Conduct internal network penetration tests: network and host enumeration, Active Directory reconnaissance and attack path analysis, credential harvesting and reuse, privilege escalation, and lateral movement
• Validate vulnerability scanner output and eliminate false positives through manual testing
• Capture reproducible evidence for every finding
• Perform remediation retesting
• Operate strictly within the authorized scope and rules of engagement on every engagement
Required Qualifications
• 1-3 years in IT, systems or network administration, SOC, or a related field, or demonstrable hands-on offensive security skill through labs and personal projects
• Solid networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, DNS, SMB, LDAP, HTTP/S
• Working knowledge of Windows and Active Directory, including common misconfigurations
• Comfortable in a Linux terminal
• Familiarity with standard tooling such as Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, Impacket, BloodHound, Responder, Hashcat, and Burp Suite
• Basic scripting in Python, PowerShell, or Bash
• Strong written communication and a professional client-facing demeanor
Preferred Qualifications
• OSCP, PNPT, CPTS, eJPT, or CRTP - held or in progress
• Documented lab or CTF work you can discuss in detail
• Prior systems or network administration experience
• Exposure to cloud or web application testing
Netrio is a leading MSP in North America, specializing in IT solutions for small- to mid-market enterprises. We serve over 1,000 clients across industries with services including managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud, connectivity, voice, and custom application development.

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