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Graduate Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Huntington

Summer 2027 Technology Internship

Columbus, OH · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

High School graduate * Enrolled in an Undergraduate or Graduate accredited University with at least ... penetration testing, vulnerability management, zero trust network, and other related coursework

vTech Solution

Associate Agile Developer in Test

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$49.75 - $64/hr

As an SDET Intern / Recent College Graduate, you'll help with release verification while also ... Familiarity with security testing methodologies (penetration testing, threat modeling, XSS, or SQL ...

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Graduate Penetration Tester information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do graduate penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate 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 a graduate penetration tester?

Graduate penetration testers are entry-level cybersecurity professionals who assess the security of computer systems, networks, and applications by simulating cyberattacks. They identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit, helping organizations strengthen their defenses. Typically, graduate penetration testers have recently completed a relevant degree or training and work under the supervision of experienced testers to develop their skills. Their work often involves conducting tests, preparing reports, and recommending security improvements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate penetration tester?

To thrive as a Graduate Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of network security, operating systems, and vulnerability assessment, typically backed by a computer science degree or related qualification. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and knowledge of industry certifications such as OSCP or CEH is highly advantageous. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for identifying security weaknesses, effectively reporting findings, and helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

What are some common challenges faced by graduate penetration testers during their first year on the job?

Graduate Penetration Testers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing security technologies and learning to effectively document and communicate their findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. They must also develop strong time management skills to balance multiple assessments or projects at once and become familiar with a wide range of systems and environments. Working closely with experienced team members and participating in debrief meetings helps new testers quickly build their technical and soft skills.

What is the difference between Graduate Penetration Tester vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectGraduate Penetration TesterCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level roles)
Work EnvironmentHands-on security testing, simulated attacksMonitoring security systems, incident response
Industry UsageSecurity firms, consulting, internal security teamsOrganizations' security operations centers (SOCs)

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, a Graduate Penetration Tester specializes in identifying vulnerabilities through simulated attacks, requiring skills in ethical hacking. A Cybersecurity Analyst monitors and responds to security threats, focusing on defense and incident management. Both roles often share certifications like Security+ but differ in daily tasks and work environment.

More about Graduate Penetration Tester jobs

What job categories do people searching Graduate Penetration Tester jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Penetration Tester jobs are:

Graduate Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Faculty in Information Technology and Cybersecurity: Part-Time

Excelsior College

Saint Petersburg, FL • On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Be part of Excelsior’s growing presence in St. Petersburg and help shape an innovative, workforce-focused technology and cybersecurity program that blends flexibility with hands-on learning.
Excelsior University is growing—and we’re making a meaningful investment in education and workforce development in the St. Petersburg, Florida community. As we expand our hybrid learning model, we are building a dynamic pool of part-time faculty and lab instructors to support our undergraduate and graduate (Master of Cybersecurity – MCY) programs.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of applied technology and cybersecurity education while working with adult learners to develop real-world, career-ready skills.

Our hybrid IT and cybersecurity programs blend the flexibility of asynchronous online learning with the power of hands-on, in-person labs at our St. Petersburg site. As an instructor, you will guide students through both environments—teaching online while leading lab sessions that reinforce applied skills and workforce readiness.

Courses are delivered in an 8-week format, with the majority of content—including theory, discussions, and assignments—offered asynchronously online. On-site lab sessions are typically 3 hours, held in the evenings every other week to provide hands-on, applied learning that complements online instruction.

Depending on qualifications and program needs, instructors may be assigned to courses such as:

  • Undergraduate IT and Cyber courses (e.g., hardware, networking, systems administration, cyber defense).
  • Graduate-level Cyber courses (e.g., governance, leadership, advanced technical cyber operations).
  • Certification-prep labs (e.g., CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, CySA+, PenTest+, CEH, CISSP).

Key Responsibilities:

  • Facilitate engaging in-person and hybrid lab sessions aligned with course outcomes
  • Demonstrate subject matter expertise through active engagement in discussions, learning activities, and applied instruction
  • Create an effective and engaging learning environment through consistent and meaningful online presence and communication
  • Reinforce online learning through practical demonstrations, real-world applications, and connections between theory and practice
  • Guide students through applied learning activities such as:
    • IT hardware setup, configuration, and troubleshooting
    • Networking, systems administration, virtualization, and cloud technologies
    • Cybersecurity practices including system hardening, penetration testing, incident response, GRC, and digital forensics
  • Challenge students’ thinking and support critical analysis across perspectives and settings
  • Provide timely, substantive, and constructive feedback on assignments and lab performance
  • Maintain clear academic standards and support student success through ongoing communication and responsiveness
  • Maintain safe, functional, and industry-relevant lab environments
  • Collaborate with faculty, site staff, and technicians to ensure a seamless hybrid learning experience
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of Excelsior’s hybrid instructional model

Qualifications:

Undergraduate & Certification-Prep Courses

Required:

  • Master’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a closely related field
  • Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in IT, networking, systems, or cybersecurity operations
  • At least one current professional certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+, Network+, Linux+, CEH, CySA+, PenTest+)
  • Demonstrated ability to support asynchronous online instruction and in-person lab facilitation

Preferred:

  • Doctoral degree in a related discipline
  • Multiple professional certifications
  • College-level teaching experience, especially with adult and nontraditional learners
  • Experience with online learning platforms, virtual labs, and LMS systems
  • Experience integrating certification preparation into academic coursework

Graduate Master of Cybersecurity Courses

Required:

  • Doctoral degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline
  • Significant professional experience in cybersecurity operations, leadership, governance, or advanced technical domains
  • Ability to design and deliver rigorous graduate-level instruction in an asynchronous online environment, with support for hybrid lab elements where applicable

Preferred:

  • Advanced professional certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CISA, CEH, CySA+, PenTest+)
  • Graduate-level teaching experience, particularly with adult and nontraditional learners
  • Experience with accreditation standards, curriculum design, or program development
  • Familiarity with cyber ranges, cloud platforms, and advanced security tools

Application Note

This posting is for a pool of part-time instructors. Teaching assignments will be based on qualifications, availability, and program needs. Candidates may be considered for multiple courses and lab sections.

Compensation is provided at a rate of $1,000 per credit hour per course, with low-enrollment courses paid at a directed study rate. The salary range reflects the University’s good faith estimate at the time of posting.

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