Entry-Level Penetration Tester Jobs

Companies hire you to hack their own systems before real hackers do. Most people break in within 16–24 wks by earning CEH, building a small home-lab portfolio, and applying to entry-level Penetration Tester roles — no CS degree required.

Entry-level Penetration Tester roles typically pay $60k–$90k. Pay rises quickly with one or two years of experience and a role-specific certification.

CEH is the certification that moves the needle for entry-level Penetration Tester roles. Core skills employers look for: Linux, Nmap, Burp Suite, OWASP, Reporting.