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Junior Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Manage and mentor a small team of junior penetration testers; provide technical guidance and training. * Build and lead a Purple Team to perform joint red/blue team exercises with customer sites.

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Manage and mentor a small team of junior penetration testers; provide technical guidance and training. * Build and lead a Purple Team to perform joint red/blue team exercises with customer sites.

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers. * U.S. citizenship required. * An active Secret security clearance. * Must have the ability to obtain a ...

SkyePoint Decisions

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

$95K - $112K/yr

Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers. * U.S. citizenship required. * An active Secret security clearance. * Must have the ability to obtain a ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers. * U.S. citizenship required. * An active Secret security clearance. * Must have the ability to obtain a ...

ASRC Federal Holding

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · On-site

$117K - $199K/yr

Manage and mentor a small team of junior penetration testers; provide technical guidance and training. * Build and lead a Purple Team to perform joint red/blue team exercises with customer sites.

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

$86K - $138K/yr

Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers. * U.S. citizenship required. * An active Secret security clearance. * Must have the ability to obtain a ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), HTB Certified Penetration Tester Specialist (CPTS), eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (EJPT), GIAC Global Information Assurance Penetration ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), HTB Certified Penetration Tester Specialist (CPTS), eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (EJPT), GIAC Global Information Assurance Penetration ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$86K - $198K/yr

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), HTB Certified Penetration Tester Specialist (CPTS), eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (EJPT), GIAC Global Information Assurance Penetration ...

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Junior Penetration Tester information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do junior penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior penetration tester?

To thrive as a Junior Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of networking, operating systems, and common security vulnerabilities, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or OSCP is highly valued. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for reporting findings and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying security weaknesses, providing actionable insights, and helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

What is a junior penetration tester?

Junior Penetration Testers are entry-level cybersecurity professionals who assist in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities within computer systems, networks, and applications. They work under the supervision of more experienced testers to simulate cyberattacks, assess security measures, and help organizations strengthen their defenses against real threats. Their responsibilities often include performing vulnerability scans, documenting findings, and learning advanced testing techniques. This role is typically a starting point for a career in ethical hacking and cybersecurity.

What does a junior penetration tester do?

As a junior penetration tester, your job is to help improve the security of a computer network by attempting to find and exploit any vulnerability a threat might use. In this role, you may plan and execute evaluation tests, stay informed about current cybersecurity threats, and program software to help with penetration attempts. Junior penetration testers typically work under the supervision of senior penetration testers and may, in turn, direct entry-level employees and teach them how to use the various tools and techniques required for penetration testing. Most testers work regular hours, but employers may occasionally ask you for emergency help to address newly-identified threats.

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

Junior Penetration Testers often face the challenge of adapting to rapidly evolving security tools and methodologies while learning to effectively communicate technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Balancing hands-on testing with thorough documentation can be demanding, especially when working under tight deadlines. Additionally, juniors may need to quickly build their knowledge of various operating systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities across diverse environments. Team collaboration and regular feedback from senior testers help ease this transition and accelerate skill development.

What is the difference between Junior Penetration Tester vs Security Analyst?

AspectJunior Penetration TesterSecurity Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH (preferred)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (optional)
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, vulnerability assessmentsMonitoring, incident response, policy development
Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, IT departments, consultingCorporate security teams, government agencies

Junior Penetration Testers focus on actively identifying security vulnerabilities through simulated attacks, requiring technical skills and certifications like OSCP or CEH. Security Analysts monitor and analyze security systems, respond to incidents, and develop security policies. While both roles are vital in cybersecurity, they differ in daily tasks and skill sets, with penetration testers emphasizing offensive testing and analysts focusing on defense and monitoring.

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What cities are hiring for Junior Penetration Tester jobs? Cities with the most Junior Penetration Tester job openings:
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Junior Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Junior Penetration Tester

Cyber Defense Technologies

Denver, CO • On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Overview: CDT is looking for a Junior Penetration Tester to support a government customer onsite in Denver, Colorado. Candidates with OSCP certification are highly recommended to apply.
Clearance: An active Top Secret/SCI with CI poly is required.Candidates who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for performing basic reconnaissance and vulnerability scanning in accordance with established testing methodologies
  • Identifies common vulnerabilities that can be potentially exploited, documents and reports findings.
  • Possess basic scripting abilities and an understanding of network fundamentals and vulnerability scanning tools.
Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma/GED, Associates Degree and 3 years of relevant work experience.
  • Bachelor's Degree and 0-2 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience in cyber security with a focus on red teaming, penetration testing, or threat hunting.

Why Join Cyber Defense Technologies?
At CDT, we offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your expertise in Penetration Testing will help shape the future of cybersecurity and engineering solutions.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
CDT is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
Apply Now:
If you are a proactive Penetration Tester and thrive in dynamic environments, we encourage you to apply and join the CDT team!
Salary Range: $79,000 - $108,000

Apply