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Entry Level Penetration Tester Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Penetration Tester information

See Virginia salary details

$22.3K

$118.9K

$167.1K

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

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level penetration tester in Virginia is $118,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $139,800.00 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.

More about Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs

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Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Penetration Tester job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,866 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

IT Security Analyst@Richmond, VA In Person Only

ibrain technologies, inc

Richmond, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

IT Security Analyst
Richmond, VA Hybrid
12 Months
In Person Only
JD:
IT security or risk assessment certifications are advantageous (CISM, CCSP, CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Pentest+ and/or CompTIA Security+)
Expertise in using automated vulnerability scanners like Nessus, Qualys, Retina, and/or Tenable.
we are really looking for someone who is strong in Security Operations (Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing, Incident Response, Identity Access Management, etc.). A few of the candidates were strong in Risk Management (Risk Assessment, Data Classification, Audits, etc.) but we already have those skills on our team. The remaining candidates mostly struggled to answer basic technical questions relating to security and seemed to mostly come from more IT Operations backgrounds. We are looking for an experienced person as this is not an entry level opening.
General things to consider when screening:
Experience with vulnerability management is key for this position.
Experience with application penetration is key for this position.
Experience with Dev SecOps/Secure Software Development Lifecycle (Secure SDLC/SSDLC)/Secure by Design is key for this position.
Scripting and automation experience is highly desired for this position.
Interpersonal skills and being able to talk with and manage stakeholders are key for this position.

Regards,

Deva

iBrain Technologies, INC. | A Certified Minority Business Enterprise

Email:deva@ibrain-tech.com

Phone Direct: 636-489-0678

www.ibrain-tech.com