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Penetration Testing Intern Jobs in Massachusetts

Penetration Testing Intern information

See Massachusetts salary details

$12

$22

$28

How much do penetration testing intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetration testing intern in Massachusetts is $22.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a penetration testing intern do?

A Penetration Testing Intern assists cybersecurity teams by helping to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. Their main goal is to simulate cyberattacks in a controlled environment to help organizations improve their security. Interns often work under the guidance of experienced professionals, learning how to use various tools and techniques to conduct tests, document findings, and suggest remediation. This role provides hands-on experience in ethical hacking and cybersecurity best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a penetration testing intern?

To thrive as a Penetration Testing Intern, you need a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, cybersecurity principles, and basic programming or scripting skills, often supported by relevant coursework or certifications like CompTIA Security+. Familiarity with tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and vulnerability scanners is typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns document findings and collaborate with security teams. These skills ensure interns can identify, analyze, and report vulnerabilities responsibly, contributing to the organization’s overall security posture.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a penetration testing intern?

As a Penetration Testing Intern, you can expect to assist with vulnerability assessments, help conduct penetration tests on web applications, networks, and systems, and support the documentation of findings. Your daily tasks may include researching exploits, running automated tools, analyzing security reports, and collaborating with senior testers to learn best practices. Interns often participate in team meetings, contribute to debriefings, and may even help develop proof-of-concept attacks under supervision, giving you hands-on experience in real-world security scenarios.

What is the difference between Penetration Testing Intern vs Penetration Tester?

AspectPenetration Testing InternPenetration Tester
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holds a related degree; may have basic certifications like CompTIA Security+Professional certifications like OSCP, CEH, or CISSP often required
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, often part-time or internship programsFull-time, independent or team-based security assessments
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in testing, learning tools, supporting senior testersConducting security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities, reporting findings

In summary, a Penetration Testing Intern is an entry-level role focused on learning and supporting security testing activities, while a Penetration Tester is a professional responsible for executing comprehensive security assessments independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Testing jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Penetration Testing jobs in Massachusetts are:

What job categories do people searching Penetration Testing Intern jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Penetration Testing Intern jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Penetration Testing Intern jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Penetration Testing Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Penetration Testing Intern job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,201 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

IT/Cybersecurity Intern (Co-op/Unpaid)

Abby Kelley Foster School

Worcester, MA • On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Description: IT/Cybersecurity Intern (Co-op)

Position Type: Unpaid Internship / Co-op (For Academic Credit)

Time Commitment: Flexible, Part-Time (approx. 10-20 hours/week during the academic semester)


Summary

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School is excited to offer a Cybersecurity Internship opportunity exclusively for students at Quinsigamond Community College (QCC). This is an unpaid co-op position designed to provide a highly flexible, hands-on learning experience that bridges academic theory with real-world practice.

The intern will work directly with our IT Department, receiving 1:1 mentorship while tackling critical cybersecurity projects. This role offers a unique balance: you will lead key security initiatives while also gaining broad exposure to all facets of IT operations in a K-12 environment, from customer support to network troubleshooting.


Key Responsibilities & Learning Objectives

This internship is project-based and mentorship-driven. You will have the opportunity to:

Core Cybersecurity Projects:

  • Endpoint Protection Management: Assist in monitoring, managing, and optimizing our district-wide endpoint protection solution (antivirus, anti-malware) to defend against active threats.

  • Phishing Campaign Management: Help design, launch, and manage simulated phishing campaigns for district staff. You will analyze the results and help create targeted training materials to improve awareness.

  • Security Assessment & Penetration Testing: Put your knowledge into practice by conducting a (guided) self-assessment and penetration test of designated district systems.

  • Strategic Reporting: Develop a formal report based on your assessment findings. You will present actionable recommendations to the IT leadership team for implementation and security posture improvement.

IT Operations & Mentorship:

  • Technical Support: Develop your customer service skills by assisting with our IT help desk, providing frontline support to teachers, staff, and students.

  • Hardware Experience: Gain hands-on experience with device management by assisting with Chromebook repairs, imaging, and deployment.

  • Network & Systems Exposure: Shadow and assist the IT team with basic network troubleshooting, user account management and other systems administration tasks.

  • 1:1 Skill Development: Participate in regular one-on-one sessions with senior IT staff to explore your career interests and learn advanced skills.


What We Offer
  • Direct Mentorship: You will be paired with a mentor in the IT Department who is dedicated to your growth and success.

  • Ultimate Flexibility: We will build your work schedule entirely around your QCC class schedule.

  • A Portfolio-Building Project: The security assessment and recommendation report will be a significant capstone project you can feature in your professional portfolio and future interviews.

  • Broad Experience: You won't just be a "cybersecurity intern." You'll be a member of the IT team, gaining valuable, well-rounded experience in hardware, software, networking, and support.

  • Academic Credit: We will work closely with QCC to ensure all requirements for your co-op or internship credit are met.


Qualifications & Requirements
  • Must be a current student at Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) and eligible to receive academic credit for the internship/co-op.

  • Currently pursuing a degree or certificate in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, IT, or a related field.

  • A foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles (e.g., CIA Triad, malware, phishing, network security).

  • Strong integrity, a proactive attitude, and a genuine desire to learn.

  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

  • Must be able to pass a standard background check (CORI & Fingerprints)