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Penetration Testing Intern Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Penetration Testing Intern information

See Ohio salary details

$10

$19

$25

How much do penetration testing intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetration testing intern in Ohio is $19.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Penetration Testing jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Penetration Testing jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Penetration Testing Intern jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Penetration Testing Intern job openings:

Paid College Intern - Privacy Team (Office of Information Security and Privacy)

Ohio Department of Taxation

Columbus, OH

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

What you'll do: 

Works with the Privacy Team:
Assists in conducting privacy impact assessments
Assists with monitoring privacy issues & organization of office re-search
Researches & writes analyses covering privacy, information security & technology legal issues
Documenting processes, work, & activities
Assists in measuring the effectiveness of defense-in-depth architecture against known vulnerabilities
Supports penetration testing on networks, systems or elements of systems
Assists to identify systemic security issues based on the analysis of vulnerability & configuration data
Assists in the preparation of vulnerability reports that identify technical & procedural findings, & provide recommended remediation strategies/solutions
Assists with responding to & investigating security incidents
Compiles data & creates reports
Assists with monitoring of security systems
Assists with the tuning of security software
Assists with documenting Security Incident Response Team processes & procedures

Performs other related duties as needed:
Represents the Office of Information Security & Privacy to internal & external customers
Completes specific training requirements
Keeps up to date on current threats & vulnerabilities
Monitors changes in cybersecurity related policy, regulation & law


Knowledge
1. Basic system administration, network, & operating system hardening techniques 
2. Public administration
3. Legal fundaments
4. New & emerging IT & information security technologies*


Skills
5. Operation of microcomputers & peripheral equipment
6. Use of Office Suite software 


Abilities
7. Define problems, collect data, establish facts & draw valid conclusions
8. Interpret a variety of instructions in 
written or oral form
9. Deal with many variables & determine specific actions
10. Organize information from a variety of sources into clear, concise, accurate & meaningful summaries
11. Communicate orally & in writing on technical & non-technical matters
12. Use proper research methods in gathering data.


Preferred major of study:
Information Security, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Law
Preferred completed course work: 
Privacy/Information Security law, information systems concepts


* Developed after employment.