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Ethical Hacker Penetration Tester Entry Level Jobs

Analygence

Penetration Tester

Norfolk, VA

The Penetration Tester will assist in the development of cyber test plans, execute cyber tests, and ... Employee ethical hacking knowledge to exploit discovered vulnerabilities and misconfigurations ...

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

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for ethical hacker penetration tester entry level 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 are some typical challenges entry-level ethical hackers and penetration testers face when starting out in this field?

Entry-level ethical hackers and penetration testers often encounter challenges such as understanding the complexity of diverse IT environments and staying updated with rapidly evolving security threats. They may also find it demanding to effectively communicate technical findings to non-technical stakeholders, which is crucial for successful remediation. Additionally, working under tight deadlines while performing thorough assessments can be stressful, but it becomes easier with experience and mentorship from senior team members.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry-level ethical hacker or penetration tester?

To thrive as an Entry-Level Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester, you need foundational knowledge in networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Nmap, and Wireshark, as well as basic scripting or programming skills, is typically expected. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills help you identify vulnerabilities and clearly report findings to stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively assessing security risks and helping organizations protect their digital assets.

What is an entry-level ethical hacker or penetration tester?

An entry-level ethical hacker or penetration tester is a cybersecurity professional who assesses computer systems, networks, and applications for security vulnerabilities. Their primary responsibility is to simulate cyberattacks, with permission, to identify and help fix weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. Entry-level positions typically involve working under the guidance of more experienced testers, running standard tests, and documenting findings. These roles are crucial for organizations aiming to strengthen their security posture and protect sensitive information.

How much do entry-level ethical hackers make?

Entry-level ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers, typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. Salaries can vary based on location, certifications like CEH or OSCP, and the complexity of the security environment they work in.
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Ethical Hacker Penetration Tester Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ethical Hacker Penetration Tester Entry Level job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Senior Specialist, MAST Application Penetration Tester

KPMG US

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
KPMG is a leading advisory firm seeking a Senior Specialist, MAST Application Penetration Tester to join their Managed Services practice. The role involves conducting manual application penetration testing and executing threat modeling while working independently in various engagements.
Responsibilities:
• Conduct manual application penetration testing against API's (REST/SOAP), Web Applications, Mobile applications, and thick client applications
• Perform objective based on abstract penetration testing engagements
• Execute threat modeling, evaluate application business logic, and perform application architecture reviews
• Demonstrate application testing experience in real time via demos to both internal and external audiences
• Function independently in penetration testing engagements, with minimal oversight and guidance
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and personal responsibility to uphold KPMG's respectful and courteous work environment
Qualifications:
Required:
• Minimum three years of recent experience in application penetration testing of Application Programming Interface (API's), web applications, or mobile applications
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or equivalent industry experience
• Ability to communicate reporting results with technical and non-technical audiences and lead remediation conversations
• Experience with burp suite pro, and other app testing tools such as Netsparker and Checkmarx
• Ability to travel as required
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. KPMG LLP will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa)
Preferred:
• One or more major ethical hacking certifications not required but preferred; GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT), Council for Registered Ethical Security Testers (CREST), Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE), Offensive Security Web Assessor (OSWA)
Company:
KPMG is one of the world’s leading professional services firms and the fastest growing Big Four accounting firm in the United States. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in New York, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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