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How much do penetration testing internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 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 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 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 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.

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.
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Penetration Testing Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Penetration Testing Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 5% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,304 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

IT/Cybersecurity Intern (Co-op/Unpaid)

Abby Kelley Foster School

Worcester, MA • On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Other

Posted 16 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)