1

Penetration Testing 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 ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Penetration Testing Internship information

See salary details

$11

$20

$26

How much do penetration testing internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetration testing internship in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a penetration testing internship?

A Penetration Testing Internship is a temporary position where individuals gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity by learning how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or applications. Interns work under the guidance of experienced security professionals to simulate real-world cyberattacks and help organizations strengthen their security posture. This role typically involves tasks such as vulnerability assessments, security testing, and report writing. It is ideal for students or recent graduates looking to build practical skills in ethical hacking and information security.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a penetration testing internship?

As a Penetration Testing Intern, you will typically work on tasks such as assisting with vulnerability assessments, participating in controlled penetration tests, and helping document findings for client reports. You'll often collaborate with senior security analysts and IT teams to learn industry-standard tools and methodologies. Expect to be involved in both technical testing and the preparation of clear documentation to communicate your results. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to real-world security environments and can significantly enhance your career prospects in cybersecurity.

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

To thrive as a Penetration Testing Intern, you need a foundational understanding of networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles, often supported by coursework or relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and basic scripting in Python or Bash is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective written communication help interns present findings and collaborate with security teams. These skills are crucial to accurately identify vulnerabilities, document results, and contribute to an organization's security posture.

What is the difference between Penetration Testing Internship vs Cybersecurity Analyst Internship?

AspectPenetration Testing InternshipCybersecurity Analyst Internship
Required CertificationsBasic security certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Similar certifications, often including Security+ or Cisco CCNA Security
Work EnvironmentHands-on security testing, vulnerability assessmentsMonitoring security systems, analyzing threats
Industry UsageCommon in security consulting firms, tech companiesWidespread across organizations with security teams

Both roles involve cybersecurity fundamentals, but Penetration Testing Internships focus on actively testing systems for vulnerabilities, while Cybersecurity Analyst Internships emphasize monitoring and analyzing security threats. The choice depends on whether you prefer hands-on testing or security monitoring within the cybersecurity field.

More about Penetration Testing Internship jobs

What cities are hiring for Penetration Testing Internship jobs?

Cities with the most Penetration Testing Internship job openings:

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

The most popular types of Penetration Testing jobs are:

What states have the most Penetration Testing Internship jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Penetration Testing Internship jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Penetration Testing Internship jobs are:

Infographic showing various Penetration Testing Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,304 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Junior Penetration Tester, Embedded Security

Tiro Security, LLC

California, MO โ€ข On-site

$80 - $132/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Our client seeks a security professional with experience in penetration testing embedded systems (IoT) and secure development practices. In this role, youโ€™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 handsโ€‘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 teamโ€‘oriented mindset.

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

#J-18808-Ljbffr