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Penetration Tester Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PurpleBox, Inc.

Cybersecurity Analyst

Atlanta, GA

Internship, Part-Time, Full-Time We are seeking to hire multiple Cybersecurity Analysts and ... As part of security testing services, performing penetration testing, ethical hacking, and security ...

XDIN

Information Security Analyst

Greensboro, NC · On-site

Performs penetration testing activities to detect vulnerabilities and attack chains. * Utilizes ... Internships and Co-Ops can be included) * A recognized information security certification or ...

XDIN

Information Security Analyst

Greensboro, NC · On-site

Performs penetration testing activities to detect vulnerabilities and attack chains. * Utilizes ... Internships and Co-Ops can be included) * A recognized information security certification or ...

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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 Jul 16, 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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Penetration Tester Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Penetration Tester Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, 67% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.
Penetration Testing Associate

Penetration Testing Associate

KirkpatrickPrice

Bowling Green, KY • On-site

$35K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Penetration Testing Associate
About the Role
KirkpatrickPrice is a trusted security partner to organizations of all sizes and maturity levels. Our clients need experts who are experienced, patient, and communicate well: people who help them discover vulnerabilities and learn how to strengthen their defenses. We love empowering and inspiring our clients to effectively protect their most sensitive data.
We're hiring a Penetration Testing Associate to keep our penetration testing program running smoothly behind the scenes. This hybrid role blends light hands-on technical work (maintaining scanning infrastructure, deploying test devices, running pre-scans) with project coordination (engagement kickoffs, client check-ins, scope validation, and onboarding).
It's an ideal first role for someone early in their cybersecurity career who is detail-oriented, comfortable around Linux and networking concepts, and enjoys both technical tasks and working directly with people. You'll partner closely with penetration testers and client success teams to make sure every engagement is set up correctly, on schedule, and within scope. We'll provide documentation, mentorship, and on-the-job training, so prior professional experience is not required.
What You'll Do
Infrastructure & Device Maintenance
  • Perform weekly updates and health checks on all active testing devices, and maintain core testing tools and services on a recurring schedule, including scanners, VPNs, and supporting platforms.
  • Manage cloud and hosted infrastructure (snapshots, backups, server maintenance), troubleshoot device update and connectivity issues over secure tunnels, and keep documentation and asset inventories accurate and current.
  • Deploy and configure physical and virtual testing devices following established procedures, preparing them for shipment or remote setup with secure credential handoff.
  • Provision new team members across penetration testing tools and platforms.

Vulnerability Scanning & Reporting
  • Manage and perform vulnerability scanning for all clients: schedule and run scans, review and validate results, and deliver reports to clients.

Engagement Coordination & Scoping
  • Set up project-tracking boards and coordinate kickoff and check-in calls, confirming network details, verifying pre-engagement questionnaires, resolving access issues, and scheduling pre-scan windows.
  • Proactively follow up with clients to ensure pre-engagement tasks are completed accurately and on time, providing status updates and looping in testers for final confirmation.
  • Confirm engagement targets against agreed scope and securely store credentials and device details in the team's password manager.
  • Run pre-scans ahead of testing weeks and compare results against scope to flag discrepancies before testing begins.

What We're Looking For
Required
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with reliable follow-through to track and chase down many moving pieces across multiple concurrent engagements.
  • Clear, effective written and verbal communication; comfortable leading client-facing calls and keeping clients accountable for completing pre-engagement tasks on schedule.
  • An IT or cybersecurity education or background: a degree, certifications, coursework, or equivalent hands-on experience in IT, cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field.
  • Foundational familiarity with networking concepts (IP addressing, ports, VPNs, SSH) and Linux command-line environments.
  • Ability to handle sensitive credentials and client information responsibly.

Preferred (Nice to Have)
  • Internships, lab/home-lab experience, or industry certifications beyond the baseline requirement.
  • Exposure to vulnerability scanners or vulnerability management platforms.
  • Familiarity with cloud or hosted infrastructure.
  • Interest in or exposure to offensive security, penetration testing, or red team tooling.
  • Experience with project-tracking or collaboration tools.

Desired Characteristics
Character
  • Possess an extreme level of integrity. The top 1% of wealth holders in America rate integrity as the #1 factor that explains economic success.
  • Apply diligence to every engagement so that the client benefits the most.
  • Passionate about helping clients understand and complete what's needed to keep their testing on track.
  • Strong desire to contribute to and learn from an open and collaborative team. Humility and contribution to the team are valued.
  • Able to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Apply