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Junior Pentester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Investment LLC

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 ...

Bank of America

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 ...

Bank of America

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Denver, CO

$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 ...

Bank of America

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Boston, MA

$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 ...

Bank of America

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Chicago, IL

$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 ...

Bank of America

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Seattle, WA

$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 ...

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Junior Pentester information

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$19K

$52.5K

$88K

How much do junior pentester jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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's the less a pentester gets paid?

Entry-level junior pentesters typically earn the lowest salaries in cybersecurity, often starting around $50,000 to $70,000 annually depending on location and company size. Factors such as certifications like OSCP or CEH, and hands-on skills with tools like Kali Linux, can influence starting pay rates.

How long does it take to become a pentester?

Becoming a junior pentester typically requires 6 months to 2 years of dedicated learning, including gaining knowledge of networking, operating systems, and security tools. Many professionals pursue certifications like the CompTIA Security+ or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) to validate skills and improve job prospects.

How to get a junior cyber security job?

To secure a junior pentester position, candidates should develop foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles, learn common tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit, and gain hands-on experience through labs or internships. Earning relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can also improve job prospects and demonstrate technical competence.

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 jobs can you do with cyber security?

A Junior Pentester is a cybersecurity professional who identifies vulnerabilities in computer systems and applications through penetration testing. Cybersecurity skills can also lead to roles such as security analyst, security engineer, incident responder, security consultant, and security architect, often requiring knowledge of tools like Kali Linux, Metasploit, and scripting languages. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can enhance job prospects in this field.

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.
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Junior Pentester jobs near you

Junior Penetration Tester - Pentester

Praktikant / Werkstudent (w/m/d) Baumanagement

Alcolu, SC

Full-time

Medical

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Creating a future worth living for future generations gets us out of bed every morning. Depending on the project, we are consultants, implementers, or both for sustainable, innovative and economical solutions for real estate, industry, energy and infrastructure. Our 6,500 employees at over 70 locations worldwide support our customers in interdisciplinary teams. Our thinking is both visionary and realistic. We work independently and as part of a team. With passion and the latest technologies. We unite. Join us at Dreso and let's create a world we want to live in.

Job Description

We are seeking an Entry-Level Penetration Tester (Junior Pentester) to support our cybersecurity team in identifying and assessing security vulnerabilities across systems, networks, and applications. This role offers hands-on experience in offensive security practices and operates under the guidance of senior penetration testers. You will contribute to strengthening the organization's security posture by simulating real-world attack scenarios and supporting remediation activities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct and support vulnerability assessments and penetration testing engagements across networks, systems, web applications, and cloud environments
  • Identify, validate, and document security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations
  • Assist in developing proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits and attack simulations
  • Prepare clear and structured reports detailing findings, impact, and remediation recommendations 
  • Collaborate with IT, DevOps, and security teams to track remediation activities
  • Maintain and configure penetration testing tools (e.g., Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit)
  • Stay up to date with emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and offensive security techniques 
Qualifications
  • Degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field 
  • At least one recognized penetration testing certification (CEH, OSCP, CompTIA PenTest+, GPEN) 
  • Basic understanding of:
    • Networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP)
    • Linux and Windows operating systems 
  • Internship or hands-on lab experience in penetration testing
  • Participation in CTFs (Capture the Flag) or bug bounty programs
  • Familiarity with cloud environments (Azure, AWS), security frameworks (e.g., OWASP, NIST) and penetration testing tools (Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, Wireshark)
  • Understanding of vulnerability scanning and exploitation concepts
  • Basic scripting skills (Python, Bash, or PowerShell)
  • Understanding of common attack techniques (e.g., reconnaissance, privilege escalation)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Strong attention to detail when identifying vulnerabilities
  • Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-evolving threat landscape
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Advanced English level (C1)
Additional Information
  • To ensure your work-life balance, we offer the option of mobile working
  • We promote your professional and personal development through individual training and further education at the Drees & Sommer Academy
  • We support your health with a bonus for sports enthusiasts. We offer the possibility of subscribing to a private health insurance policy
  • Employees benefit from tax advantages related to their commuting expenses for the office
  • Fiscal advantages for employees expenses in meal costs during the worktime. Employee referral program with attractive bonus scheme 
  • Supporting career and family by receiving tax benefits for kindergarten expenses

Apply