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Entry Level Penetration Tester Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Penetration Tester information

See Kansas salary details

$20.1K

$106.9K

$150.3K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level penetration tester in Kansas is $106,928.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,600.00 and $125,800.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Tester jobs in Kansas?

The most popular types of Penetration Tester jobs in Kansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs in Kansas?

For Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Entry Level Penetration Tester job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Penetration Tester job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,928 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Driller Assistant/Exploration Team Member I

TERRACON

Wichita, KS • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Terracon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Limited or no experience required
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history may be required.
  • Required Qualifications:
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.
  • This is an entry level position. No experience is required.
  • The employee will be expected perform following tasks:
  • oLoad tooling and materials.oAssist in drilling operations and instrumentation and monitoring well installation.oCollect soil and rock samples and log field data.oPerform routine repairs and maintenance.oPerform basic surveying and site reconnaissance.oDrive a medium-duty truck and trailer.oLearn to inspect and how to maintain equipment.
  • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
  • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

  • What Terracon employees say

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