1

Junior Pentester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PR · On-site

$25K - $35K/yr

Job Overview: We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Pentester Junior to join our cybersecurity team. The ideal candidate will support penetration testing activities to identify ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Denver, CO · On-site

$109K - $148K/yr

... skills, mentor Junior and Intermediate assessors in technical tradecraft and soft skills. • ... Pentester Academy] • Strong programming/scripting skills • Frida • Binary analysis ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Seattle, WA · On-site

$113K - $146K/yr

Learn and develop advanced technical and leadership skills, mentor Junior and Intermediate ... Pentester Academy] * Strong programming/scripting skills * Frida * Binary analysis (disassembly ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $132K/yr

Learn and develop advanced technical and leadership skills, mentor Junior and Intermediate ... Pentester Academy] * Strong programming/scripting skills * Frida * Binary analysis (disassembly ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Boston, MA · On-site

$108K - $140K/yr

Learn and develop advanced technical and leadership skills, mentor Junior and Intermediate ... Pentester Academy] * Strong programming/scripting skills * Frida * Binary analysis (disassembly ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Denver, CO · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Learn and develop advanced technical and leadership skills, mentor Junior and Intermediate ... Pentester Academy] * Strong programming/scripting skills * Frida * Binary analysis (disassembly ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Denver, CO · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Learn and develop advanced technical and leadership skills, mentor Junior and Intermediate ... Pentester Academy] * Strong programming/scripting skills * Frida * Binary analysis (disassembly ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

Learn and develop advanced technical and leadership skills, mentor Junior and Intermediate ... Pentester Academy] * Strong programming/scripting skills * Frida * Binary analysis (disassembly ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$104K - $134K/yr

Learn and develop advanced technical and leadership skills, mentor Junior and Intermediate ... Pentester Academy] * Strong programming/scripting skills * Frida * Binary analysis (disassembly ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Junior Pentester information

See salary details

$19K

$52.5K

$88K

How much do junior pentester jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior pentester in the United States is $52,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Junior Pentester vs Security Analyst?

AspectJunior PentesterSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level roles)
Work EnvironmentConducts penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, often in labs or client sitesMonitors security systems, analyzes threats, and develops security policies
Employer & Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, consulting companies, IT departmentsCorporate IT departments, government agencies, financial institutions

Junior Pentesters focus on identifying vulnerabilities through simulated attacks, while Security Analysts monitor and respond to security threats. Both roles require foundational cybersecurity knowledge and certifications, but their daily tasks and objectives differ. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Pentester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Pentester, you need a solid understanding of networking, operating systems, cybersecurity fundamentals, and often a relevant degree or certification like CompTIA Security+ or OSCP. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you identify vulnerabilities and clearly report findings. These skills are crucial for safely discovering security flaws and effectively assisting organizations in improving their cybersecurity posture.

What are some common challenges a Junior Pentester faces when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

As a Junior Pentester, one of the most common challenges is bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. You may encounter unfamiliar systems or security controls, which can be daunting at first. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to actively seek mentorship from more experienced team members, participate in capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions, and continuously practice in lab environments. Collaboration with developers and IT staff is also key, as effective communication of findings and recommendations is critical to success in this role.

What are Junior Pentesters?

Junior Pentesters are entry-level cybersecurity professionals who assist in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. They perform tasks such as vulnerability scanning, basic penetration testing, and reporting under the supervision of more experienced team members. Their work helps organizations strengthen their security by finding and fixing weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
More about Junior Pentester jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Pentester jobs? Cities with the most Junior Pentester job openings:
What states have the most Junior Pentester jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Pentester jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Pentester job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,462 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

$25K - $35K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Overview:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Pentester Junior to join our cybersecurity team. The ideal candidate will support penetration testing activities to identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications. This role involves learning and applying ethical hacking techniques, documenting findings, and collaborating with senior security staff to enhance the organization’s overall security posture. The position is ideal for individuals beginning their cybersecurity career who demonstrate strong analytical thinking, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Responsabilities and Duties:

  • Perform penetration testing activities under supervision, including vulnerability identification, exploitation, and documentation.
  • Stay up to date on emerging cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques.
  • Assist in researching and developing new penetration testing methodologies, scripts, and tools.
  • Conduct remote or onsite penetration tests to assess system and network security.
  • Simulate security breaches to evaluate the effectiveness of existing security controls.
  • Prepare detailed reports outlining findings, risk levels, and recommended remediation strategies.
  • Present findings and risks to management and relevant stakeholders in a clear and professional manner.
  • Collaborate with the security team to improve organizational security posture.
  • Evaluate and communicate the business impact of identified vulnerabilities.
  • Maintain a professional and ethical approach while performing security assessments.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, or a related field.
  • No prior penetration testing experience required.
  • Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, defensive strategies, and attack concepts.
  • Familiarity with common security tools and technologies (e.g., Nmap, Burp Suite, Kali Linux).
  • Basic knowledge of computer networks, protocols, and operating systems.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, work under pressure, and meet established deadlines.
  • Security certifications such as Security+, CEH, OSCP are preferred but not required.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/M/F/V/D).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 25,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance


Work Location: In person


M-F 8AM-5PM