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Pen Testing Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Pen Testing information

See Hawaii salary details

$9

$19

$32

How much do pen testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for pen testing in Hawaii is $19.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $20.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of network security, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking, often backed by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity and industry certifications like CEH or OSCP. Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as various operating systems, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set top performers apart when explaining findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders. These skills ensure that vulnerabilities are thoroughly identified and addressed, helping organizations protect critical data and systems.

What are some common challenges faced by penetration testers when working on client projects?

Penetration testers often encounter challenges such as limited timeframes to conduct thorough assessments, incomplete or outdated documentation from clients, and the need to clearly communicate technical findings to non-technical stakeholders. They may also face restrictions on testing certain systems due to business constraints or potential operational impact. Building trust with clients and ensuring testing activities do not disrupt critical services are also important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Pen Testing vs Vulnerability Assessment?

AspectPen TestingVulnerability Assessment
PurposeSimulates attacks to identify exploitable vulnerabilitiesIdentifies and prioritizes security weaknesses
DepthIn-depth, targeted testingBroad, overview of vulnerabilities
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCISA, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentHands-on, technical testingAnalysis and reporting

Pen Testing involves actively exploiting vulnerabilities to assess security defenses, while Vulnerability Assessment focuses on identifying and prioritizing potential weaknesses without exploiting them. Both are essential for a comprehensive security strategy but serve different roles in cybersecurity testing.

Is pen testing a good career?

Penetration testing, or pen testing, is a cybersecurity role focused on identifying vulnerabilities in systems and networks. It requires technical skills, knowledge of security tools, and often certifications like OSCP or CEH. The field offers high demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for continuous learning, making it a strong career choice for those interested in cybersecurity.

What is pen testing?

Pen testing, short for penetration testing, is a cybersecurity practice where professionals simulate attacks on a computer system, network, or application to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit. The goal is to proactively find and fix security weaknesses before they can be used in real-world attacks. Pen testers use a variety of tools and techniques to mimic the methods of cybercriminals, and then provide detailed reports with recommendations for improving security. Organizations often conduct pen tests regularly as part of their overall security strategy.

How do I become a pen tester?

To become a penetration tester, you should gain a strong understanding of computer networks, operating systems, and security principles, often through a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields. Earning industry-recognized certifications such as Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can improve job prospects, and practical experience with tools like Kali Linux, Metasploit, and Wireshark is essential.

What qualifications do you need to be a pen tester?

To become a penetration tester, candidates typically need a strong understanding of networking, operating systems, and security principles, along with proficiency in scripting and using security tools. Relevant certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) are highly valued. Practical experience through labs, internships, or hands-on projects is also important for demonstrating skills in identifying vulnerabilities and exploiting security flaws.

How much can you make pen testing?

Penetration testers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in tools like Kali Linux or Metasploit can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand industries or regions with a strong cybersecurity market.
What are popular job titles related to Pen Testing jobs in Hawaii? For Pen Testing jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pen Testing jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Pen Testing jobs in Hawaii are:
Principal Networks Systems Engineer (NSE-4)

Principal Networks Systems Engineer (NSE-4)

Leidos

Wahiawa, HI

$154K - $278K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 451 rated business services


Job description

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Principal Network Systems Engineer in our Intelligence Sector's (INTEL) Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!

Job Summary:

Our LOE program provides our customer's Operations organization with the best possible solutions for their mission needs. We achieve this through rapid prototyping, new development, and advanced technology research. From leading-edge visualizations to analytic development, we're always pushing the boundaries to find new and better data sources and tradecraft to answer intelligence questions. With a focus on collaboration and a fast-paced environment, our prototype development program is the ideal place to grow your skills and make a real impact. Clickhereto learn more about how this program "Delivers Mission Success!"

Seeking a motivation Principal Network Systems Engineer to provide enabling support to Enterprise Discovery Operations, NSA Hawaii, Access Discovery & Tradecraft. You will work closely with a team in order to find, enable, and optimize access opportunities that lead to the most difficult and technically secure targets and networks. You will work to operationalize and revolutionize the use of all data sources to improve the quality of content and metadata available to SIGINT and Cyber mission customers and partners.

Job Responsibilities/Qualifications:

  • Mission Focus: Leverage experience with or knowledge of the establishment and administration of large-scale corporate, government, and/or military networks to inform access and capabilities development. Analyze collection, including metadata and configuration files, to identify, baseline, and document network architecture and management; monitor and document target network modernization through classified and unclassified sources, and provide assessments of impact and vulnerabilities to enable access opportunities.
  • Technical Proficiency: Be able to read, interpret, and provide network designs for various types of presentation both technical and high-level informative; thorough knowledge of STE/STN and RMF to ensure system compliance; troubleshoot network performance issues, analyze net traffic and provide capacity planning solutions; analyze and understand complex firewall security zones and policies with the ability to transform policies between multiple vendor firewall devices while meeting mission requirements; utilize application security tools (i.e. Nessus, NMAP) to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience or equivalent
  • Desirable Skills: Expert understanding of TCP/IP network architecture; demonstrated experience with networking concepts in a virtualized environment; expert knowledge in computer security, whether in pen testing, tool development or other related effort.
  • Security Clearance requirement: Candidates must possess active TS/SCI with polygraph to be considered for this role

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that allow them to thrive professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business. We look forward to learning more about you - apply today!

Careers.leidos.com

conmd

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:April 13, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $154,050.00 - $278,475.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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