Which Entry-Level Jobs Are Available in Ethical Hacking and How to Get Hired?

Key takeaways

• Search for junior penetration tester, SOC analyst and vulnerability analyst titles, because job names vary across companies.
• Check whether a role is monitoring-heavy or testing-heavy before applying so your resume matches.
• Build one certification and one lab portfolio before applying.

Introduction

Ethical hacking is one of the most in-demand fields in cybersecurity. Many aspiring professionals want to break into this field but often wonder what entry-level jobs are available in ethical hacking. If you're looking to start your career in ethical hacking, this guide will help you understand the various job roles, their responsibilities, required skills, and how to land your first job in this exciting domain.

In this blog, we will cover:

• The best entry-level ethical hacking jobs
• Required skills and certifications
• Salary expectations for beginners
• How to get hired in ethical hacking

What Is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking refers to legally breaking into computers and networks to find vulnerabilities before cybercriminals exploit them. Ethical hackers help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity defenses by identifying and fixing security loopholes.

Companies hire ethical hackers to test their security infrastructure and ensure data protection. This field requires a combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of cybersecurity concepts.

Top Entry-Level Jobs in Ethical Hacking

If you're new to ethical hacking, here are some of the best entry-level job roles to consider:

1. Security Analyst

A Security Analyst monitors an organization’s security infrastructure, identifies threats, and ensures systems remain protected. This is one of the best starting points for ethical hackers.

Responsibilities:

• Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities
• Performing vulnerability assessments
• Assisting in incident response and forensic analysis
• Updating security policies and controls

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of firewalls, SIEM tools, and IDS/IPS
• Understanding of network security and system administration
• Familiarity with ethical hacking tools like Metasploit and Burp Suite

Salary Range:

• India: ₹4-6 LPA
• USA: $60,000 - $90,000 per year

2. Penetration Tester (Junior Pentester)

A Junior Penetration Tester (or Pentester) performs security assessments to find and exploit vulnerabilities in networks, applications, and systems.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting penetration testing on websites, networks, and applications
• Identifying security weaknesses and reporting findings
• Assisting senior penetration testers in red team operations

Required Skills:

• Familiarity with Kali Linux, Metasploit, and Burp Suite
• Understanding of common vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10)
• Knowledge of basic scripting languages (Python, Bash, PowerShell)

Salary Range:

• India: ₹5-8 LPA
• USA: $70,000 - $100,000 per year

3. Security Consultant (Entry-Level)

Security consultants help organizations improve their security posture by advising on security policies, best practices, and risk management.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting security assessments
• Recommending cybersecurity solutions
• Assisting in compliance with industry regulations

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of network security and cryptography
• Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001)
• Strong communication skills to explain security risks to clients

Salary Range:

• India: ₹6-10 LPA
• USA: $75,000 - $110,000 per year

4. Incident Response Analyst

An Incident Response (IR) Analyst investigates cybersecurity incidents, mitigates threats, and prevents future attacks.

Responsibilities:

• Analyzing security breaches and cyber incidents
• Responding to malware infections and ransomware attacks
• Working with teams to recover compromised systems

Required Skills:

• Familiarity with digital forensics and threat intelligence
• Hands-on experience with SIEM tools (Splunk, QRadar)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Salary Range:

• India: ₹5-9 LPA
• USA: $65,000 - $95,000 per year

5. SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center Analyst)

A SOC Analyst works in a security operations center (SOC), monitoring real-time security threats and responding to cyber incidents.

Responsibilities:

• Monitoring SIEM dashboards for suspicious activities
• Investigating security alerts and potential threats
• Assisting in incident response and remediation

Required Skills:

• Understanding of threat detection and malware analysis
• Familiarity with cybersecurity tools like Wireshark and Nmap
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Salary Range:

• India: ₹4-7 LPA
• USA: $55,000 - $85,000 per year

Best Certifications for Entry-Level Ethical Hackers

If you want to boost your chances of landing an entry-level ethical hacking job, here are some of the best certifications to pursue:

How to Get Hired in Ethical Hacking?

If you're a fresher looking to break into ethical hacking, follow these 5 key steps:

1. Learn the Basics – Start with networking, Linux, cybersecurity fundamentals.
2. Gain Hands-On Experience – Practice on Hack The Box, TryHackMe, CTFs, and bug bounties.
3. Get Certified – Earn industry-recognized certifications like CEH, Security+, or eJPT.
4. Build a Strong Portfolio – Showcase your projects, pentesting reports, and achievements.
5. Apply for Jobs and Internships – Use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and cybersecurity job boards to find opportunities.

Conclusion

Starting a career in ethical hacking is an exciting journey, and there are multiple entry-level job roles available for freshers. By gaining the right skills, certifications, and hands-on experience, you can land your first job as an ethical hacker, security analyst, penetration tester, or SOC analyst.

If you’re passionate about cybersecurity, now is the perfect time to start learning and building your career in ethical hacking.

To take this further with guided labs and an instructor, see our VAPT lab practice sessions.

Related reading

• What Job Titles Should You Apply for as a Beginner in Ethical Hacking – A Guide to Penetration Testing, Security Analyst, and More
• From Security Analyst to Junior Penetration Tester | Best Jobs for Beginners in Ethical Hacking
• How to Get a Cybersecurity Job as a Fresher? Tips and Career Roadmap