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Entry Level Penetration Testing Jobs in Dallas, TX

DR Horton, Inc.

Security Administrator

Arlington, TX · On-site

... the entry-level and first time move-up markets. The Company also provides mortgage financing and ... Design, plan, coordinate and execute the plan to perform and/or oversee penetration testing of all ...

All JobsPenetration Testing JobsEntry Level Penetration Testing JobsEntry Level Penetration Testing Jobs in Dallas, TX

Entry Level Penetration Testing information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$22.3K

$118.6K

$166.7K

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level penetration testing in Dallas, TX is $118,604.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $139,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEntry Level Penetration TestingCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH (optional)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (preferred)
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, simulated attacksMonitoring, analyzing security events
Job FocusIdentifying vulnerabilities through penetration testsMonitoring security systems, incident response

Entry Level Penetration Testing involves actively testing systems for vulnerabilities, while Cybersecurity Analysts focus on monitoring and defending against threats. Both roles require security certifications and are essential in protecting organizational assets, but they differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level penetration testers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level penetration testers often encounter challenges such as staying up to date with rapidly evolving security threats and mastering a wide array of tools and techniques. Additionally, managing time effectively during assessments and clearly communicating technical findings to non-technical stakeholders can be difficult. Overcoming these challenges involves continuous learning, seeking mentorship from experienced team members, and practicing clear, concise reporting. Many organizations also encourage collaboration, so working closely with colleagues can help new testers build confidence and improve their skills.

What is entry level penetration testing?

Entry level penetration testing involves assessing computer systems, networks, or applications for security vulnerabilities under the guidance of more experienced professionals. Individuals in this role often use tools and methodologies to simulate cyberattacks, helping organizations identify and fix potential weaknesses before they can be exploited. These positions are ideal for those new to cybersecurity and typically require a foundational understanding of networking, operating systems, and security concepts. Entry level penetration testers may also assist with preparing reports and documenting findings. With experience, they can progress to more advanced roles in cybersecurity.

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 foundational knowledge of networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills make candidates stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, reporting findings clearly, and helping organizations strengthen their security posture.

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Testing jobs in Dallas, TX?

The most popular types of Penetration Testing jobs in Dallas, TX are:

What cities near Dallas, TX are hiring for Entry Level Penetration Testing jobs?

Cities near Dallas, TX with the most Entry Level Penetration Testing job openings:

Entry Level Penetration Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Penetration Testing job openings in Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,604 per year, or $57 per hour.

Security Administrator

DR Horton, Inc.

Arlington, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

D.R. Horton rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 80 rated construction

Job description

D.R. Horton, Inc., the largest homebuilder in the U.S., was founded in 1978 and is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. It is engaged in the construction and sale of high quality homes designed principally for the entry-level and first time move-up markets. The Company also provides mortgage financing and title services for homebuyers through its mortgage and title subsidiaries. Please visit our website at www.drhorton.com for more information.
D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently looking for an Security Administrator. The right candidate will be responsible to deploy, manage and maintain access control, intrusion detection, virus protection, incident response, development and implementation of security polices and procedures. This position will work as part of a team of experienced System Administrators and Network Administrators.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Performs special projects and participates as a technical advisor for a variety of ad-hoc information security and logical user access projects that will be dictated by current business and technological developments
  • Design, plan, deploy, manage and maintain all security systems and their corresponding or associated software, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, cryptography systems, and anti-virus software
  • Design, plan, coordinate and execute the plan to perform and/or oversee penetration testing of all systems in order to identify system vulnerabilities
  • Design, plan, and execute the plan to implement and report on security system and end user activity audits
  • Monitor and investigate server logs, firewall logs, intrusion detection logs, and network traffic (wired & wireless) for unusual or suspicious activity, interpret and make recommendations for resolution
  • Design, plan and recommend, coordinate and apply fixes, security patches, disaster recovery procedures, and any other measures required in the event of a security breach
  • Design and develop PowerShell scripts to automate security tasks to assist with modification of computer systems or programs
  • Document all changes, testing, creation or modification of computer programs or systems.
  • Assess need for any security reconfigurations (minor or significant) and execute as required
  • Ability to travel overnight
  • Regular and reliable attendance
  • Download and test new security software and/or technologies
  • Provide security support to end-users
  • Work with application and functional teams to encourage a security mindset throughout product development processes from concept to testing and implementation
  • On-call security support as needed
  • Conducts all business in a professional and ethical manner to serve customers and increase the goodwill and profit of the company

Education and/or Experience
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Information Technology work experience
  • Knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software, data encryption, DLP, NAC, SIEM and other industry-standard techniques and practices
  • Technical knowledge of network, PC, and platform operating systems, including Windows 2008/2012/2016/2019, and Windows 8/10
  • Knowledge of identity management and security technologies including Active Directory, Group Policy, ADFS, and Authentication protocols including Kerberos
  • Knowledge of the TCP/IP suite of protocols including but not limited to ICMP, DHCP, DNS, HTTP(S), and FTP
  • Knowledge of managing and maintaining information related to SOX audits
  • Knowledge of applicable practices and laws relating to data privacy and protection
  • Highly self-motivated and directed
  • Strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written oral form or via DRH applications
  • Proficiency with MS Office and email
  • Ability to sit for majority of 8-hour workday; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and peripheral vision
  • The noise level is generally moderate

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or related field is a plus
  • Change oriented; actively generates process improvements, confronts difficult circumstances
  • Demonstrated customer focus; builds strong relationships, creates processes with customer viewpoint and partner with customers to help shape future initiatives

Come join a winning team with a Fortune 500 company! We are growing fast and are looking for enthusiastic attitudes and team players to join our success. We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • Medical, Vision and Dental
  • 401(K)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Flex Spending Accounts
  • Life Insurance
  • Vacation, Sick, Personal Time and Company Holidays

Build YOUR future with D.R. Horton, America's Builder. #WeBuildPeople2
Follow us on social media @hortoncareers for an inside look at our company and connect with us on LinkedIn for up to date job listings!
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