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Penetration Tester Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Help compile penetration testing reports * Participate in testing tools to help improve the ... This internship provides valuable exposure to enterprise cybersecurity in a regulated financial ...

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We are looking for Intern Hackers to join our Penetration Testing team. In this role, you'll ... Your role and responsibilities During your internship, you will support live client projects and ...

Support penetration testing activities across applications, networks, cloud environments, devices ... Internship Travel required Up to 100% or 5 days a week (home on weekends - based on project ...

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Penetration Tester Internship information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do penetration tester internship jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration tester internship 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 penetration tester internship?

A Penetration Tester Internship is a temporary, entry-level position where individuals learn how to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications under the supervision of experienced cybersecurity professionals. Interns assist with ethical hacking activities, security assessments, and reporting findings to help organizations improve their security posture. The role is designed to provide hands-on experience in cybersecurity and often serves as a stepping stone to a full-time penetration tester position.

What are the qualifications to get a penetration tester internship?

The qualifications for a penetration tester internship vary based on the employer. Employers typically seek out candidates who are working toward a degree in cyber security, computer science, or information technology. You need to be proficient with Unix, Mac OSX, Linux, and Windows operating system. You should know networking concepts, TCP/IP, and defensive and offensive security, including defensive prevention techniques and offensive evasion. You need to have excellent communication skills, a basic understanding of the penetration tools within the Kali Linux suite, skills with scripting languages, such as Python, VB, Perl, and Shell, and experience website application technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a penetration tester intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Penetration Tester Intern, you need foundational knowledge in computer networking, security principles, and operating systems, often demonstrated through relevant coursework or entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+. Familiarity with tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark is typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication make an intern stand out when reporting findings to teams. These skills and qualities are essential for identifying vulnerabilities, learning quickly, and contributing meaningful insights to strengthen organizational security.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a penetration tester internship?

As a Penetration Tester Intern, you'll typically assist with controlled security assessments, such as vulnerability scanning, network mapping, and simulating cyberattacks under supervision. You may analyze system vulnerabilities, document findings, and help prepare reports for clients or internal teams. The internship often involves collaborating with experienced testers and IT staff, providing a valuable opportunity to learn industry-standard tools and methodologies. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing both technical and communication skills in a real-world security environment.

What is the difference between Penetration Tester Internship vs Penetration Tester?

AspectPenetration Tester InternshipPenetration Tester
CredentialsOften students or recent graduates, some certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH may be preferredTypically requires certifications such as OSCP, CEH, or CISSP, along with relevant experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, and learning-focused roles in security teams or consulting firmsFull-time, independent roles conducting security assessments for organizations
Employer & Industry UsageInternships are offered by tech companies, cybersecurity firms, and organizations seeking entry-level talentFull-fledged cybersecurity teams within organizations or consulting firms specializing in security testing

The main difference between a Penetration Tester Internship and a Penetration Tester is experience level and responsibility. Internships are designed for beginners gaining hands-on experience, often with supervision, while Penetration Testers are experienced professionals conducting independent security assessments.

What cities are hiring for Penetration Tester Internship jobs?

Cities with the most Penetration Tester Internship job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Tester jobs?

The most popular types of Penetration Tester jobs are:

What states have the most Penetration Tester Internship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Penetration Tester Internship jobs include:

Infographic showing various Penetration Tester Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Internship, 20% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Junior Penetration Tester, Embedded Security

Tiro Security, LLC

California, MO • On-site

$80 - $132/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Our client seeks a security professional with experience in penetration testing embedded systems (IoT) and secure development practices. In this role, you’ll contribute to product security assessments, threat modeling, incident response, and secure SDLC integration to be based in Orange County, CA.

The Client is open to people who will permanently relocate to the area.

This is a unique opportunity to join a well-established, rapidly expanding firm with great promotion opportunities.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct security testing and assessments on embedded code on a wide range of home products.
  • Support incident response and vulnerability management.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on security certifications and remediation efforts.
  • Contribute to internal security tooling and automation.
  • Help align development practices with global security standards and regulations.
Requirements
  • 1 or more years of hands‑on experience in embedded security or a related field through professional, work study, or internship experience.
  • Familiarity with common penetration testing tools and techniques such as Burp Suite as well as reverse engineering.
  • Working knowledge of embedded systems, protocol security design, cryptography, security frameworks and common vulnerabilities.
  • Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language (e.g., C/C++, Python, Bash).
  • Strong communication skills and a team‑oriented mindset.

Salary dependent on experience: $80K to $132K.

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