Best Ethical Hacking Certifications for Beginners | A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Certification for Your Cybersecurity Career

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Understanding Ethical Hacking as a Career
• Average Salary of Entry-Level Ethical Hackers
• Factors Affecting an Ethical Hacker’s Salary
• Best Certifications for Higher Salary
• How to Increase Your Salary as an Ethical Hacker?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction

Ethical hacking is one of the most in-demand careers in cybersecurity today. With businesses relying heavily on digital infrastructure, ethical hackers play a crucial role in securing systems from cyber threats. Many aspiring ethical hackers wonder: What is the salary for a beginner in ethical hacking?

In this blog, we will explore the average salary of an entry-level ethical hacker in different countries, the factors affecting salaries, the best certifications for high-paying jobs, and how to maximize your earning potential.

Understanding Ethical Hacking as a Career

Ethical hacking involves identifying security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications to prevent cyberattacks. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers work legally to protect organizations from security threats.

Common Job Roles in Ethical Hacking:

Average Salary of Entry-Level Ethical Hackers

The salary of an entry-level ethical hacker varies depending on location, certifications, and experience. Here’s an overview:

Ethical Hacking Salary by Country (Entry-Level)

Freelance ethical hackers can also earn through bug bounty programs offered by companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, where successful hackers can earn $5,000 to $100,000 per bug.

Factors Affecting an Ethical Hacker’s Salary

1. Experience Level

• Beginners earn ₹4-8 LPA ($55,000-$85,000 in the USA)
• Mid-level professionals (3-5 years of experience) earn ₹10-20 LPA ($90,000-$120,000 in the USA)
• Senior ethical hackers earn ₹25-40 LPA ($120,000-$150,000 in the USA)

2. Certifications

Having industry-recognized certifications boosts salary potential. Some of the best ones include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• CompTIA Security+
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)

3. Industry and Company

• Tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Amazon) pay higher salaries.
• Financial institutions (banks, fintech firms) also offer competitive pay.
• Government and defense cybersecurity roles have strong job security but may offer lower salaries initially.

4. Location

Salaries in developed countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia are much higher than in developing countries like India. However, remote cybersecurity jobs allow professionals to work for international companies and earn higher salaries.

Best Certifications for Higher Salary

Having the right certification can help you secure a higher-paying ethical hacking job. Here are the best ones for beginners:

Certifications like CEH and OSCP are widely recognized and can help you secure jobs with higher salary offers.

How to Increase Your Salary as an Ethical Hacker?

1. Gain Practical Experience

Employers value real-world experience over just theoretical knowledge. Participate in:

• Bug bounty programs
• Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges
• Internships in cybersecurity firms

2. Learn Advanced Ethical Hacking Techniques

Understanding web application security, network penetration testing, cloud security, and malware analysis can make you more valuable in the job market.

3. Build a Strong Portfolio

Showcase your hacking skills, security assessments, and projects on GitHub or a personal blog to stand out.

4. Stay Updated with Cybersecurity Trends

Cybersecurity is an ever-changing field. Following blogs, taking online courses, and joining security forums can help keep your skills up to date.

Conclusion

Ethical hacking is a high-paying and rewarding career with strong growth opportunities. The starting salary for beginner ethical hackers varies by country, company, and skills, but it generally ranges from ₹4-8 LPA in India and $55,000-$85,000 in the USA.

To increase your earning potential, focus on:

• Gaining hands-on experience
• Earning certifications like CEH and OSCP
• Expanding your technical skills
• Building a strong cybersecurity portfolio

With dedication and continuous learning, ethical hackers can progress into high-paying roles and make a significant impact in the cybersecurity industry.

 FAQs 

What is an ethical hacking certification?

An ethical hacking certification is a credential that validates your ability to find and fix security vulnerabilities legally.

Why do I need a certification to become an ethical hacker?

Certifications help demonstrate your skills to employers, making you more competitive in the job market.

Which is the best ethical hacking certification for beginners?

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and CompTIA Security+ are great starting points for beginners.

How long does it take to prepare for an ethical hacking certification?

Most certifications require 3-6 months of study, depending on prior knowledge and experience.

Is CEH better than OSCP?

CEH is better for beginners, while OSCP is more advanced and hands-on.

How much does the CEH exam cost?

The CEH exam costs around $1,199, including training materials and an exam voucher.

What is the salary of a certified ethical hacker?

• India: ₹4-8 LPA (entry-level)
• USA: $55,000-$85,000 per year (entry-level)

Is the CEH exam difficult?

CEH is moderately difficult, requiring knowledge of cybersecurity tools and penetration testing.

What are the prerequisites for ethical hacking certifications?

Some certifications require basic IT knowledge, while advanced ones like OSCP need penetration testing experience.

Is OSCP harder than CEH?

Yes, OSCP is significantly harder as it requires hands-on penetration testing skills.

Can I get a cybersecurity job with just a certification?

Yes, many companies hire certified ethical hackers, but practical experience improves job prospects.

Which certification is better: CEH or CompTIA Security+?

• CEH is best for penetration testing.
• Security+ covers general cybersecurity topics.

What is the OSCP exam format?

The OSCP exam is a 24-hour hands-on penetration testing challenge where you must exploit multiple systems.

How can I prepare for an ethical hacking certification?

Use:

• Online courses (Udemy, Cybrary, EC-Council)
• Hands-on labs (TryHackMe, Hack The Box)
• Practice exams
• Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges

Are ethical hacking certifications worth it?

Yes, they boost job opportunities, salaries, and professional credibility.

What is the easiest ethical hacking certification?

CompTIA Security+ and CEH are considered the easiest for beginners.

Which ethical hacking certification is best for penetration testing?

OSCP and GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) are the best for penetration testing roles.

Can I take an ethical hacking certification exam online?

Yes, most certifications, including CEH and Security+, offer online proctored exams.

What is the cost of the OSCP exam?

The OSCP exam costs $1,499, which includes 90-day lab access.

Do I need programming knowledge for ethical hacking certifications?

Basic knowledge of Python, Bash, and networking is helpful but not always required.

Can I get a job after completing an ethical hacking certification?

Yes, certifications help secure roles like:

• Penetration Tester
• Security Analyst
• SOC Analyst

How do I register for an ethical hacking certification?

You can register on the certification provider’s official website and book your exam.

What is the validity of CEH certification?

CEH is valid for three years; after that, renewal is required.

Which certification is best for government cybersecurity jobs?

Certifications like CEH, CISSP, and Security+ are preferred for government jobs.

What is the job market like for ethical hackers?

The demand for ethical hackers is growing, with thousands of job openings worldwide.

Is ethical hacking a good career?

Yes, it’s a high-paying and in-demand career with excellent growth opportunities.

Do I need a degree for ethical hacking certifications?

No, many ethical hackers start with certifications and hands-on experience instead of a degree.

Which certification should I take if I am completely new to cybersecurity?

CompTIA Security+ is a great starting point for complete beginners.

What is the future of ethical hacking?

The industry is expected to grow significantly due to increasing cybersecurity threats.