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

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.

FAQs

What Are Entry-Level Jobs in Ethical Hacking?

What is the easiest entry-level job in ethical hacking?

The Security Analyst role is considered one of the easiest entry-level jobs in ethical hacking as it focuses on monitoring security events rather than active penetration testing.

Can I become an ethical hacker without experience?

Yes, you can start with foundational cybersecurity knowledge, hands-on labs, and certifications like CEH or Security+ before applying for entry-level jobs.

Which companies hire beginner ethical hackers?

Companies like IBM, Cisco, EY, Deloitte, Accenture, and WebAsha Technologies hire entry-level cybersecurity professionals.

Do entry-level ethical hacking jobs require a degree?

Not necessarily. Many companies hire based on skills, certifications, and practical experience rather than just degrees.

What are the best entry-level job titles in ethical hacking?

Some of the best job roles include Security Analyst, Junior Penetration Tester, SOC Analyst, and Incident Response Analyst.

What Are the Skills Required for Entry-Level Ethical Hacking Jobs?

What are the basic skills needed for ethical hacking?

You need knowledge of networking, Linux, cybersecurity fundamentals, penetration testing, and scripting languages like Python or Bash.

Do I need programming knowledge for ethical hacking jobs?

Basic Python, Bash, and PowerShell knowledge is beneficial but not always required for entry-level roles.

What is the most important tool for an ethical hacker?

Tools like Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark are widely used.

Is Linux required for ethical hacking?

Yes, Linux (especially Kali Linux) is commonly used in ethical hacking due to its security-focused tools.

Which cybersecurity framework should I learn?

Familiarity with NIST, ISO 27001, and OWASP Top 10 is essential for cybersecurity professionals.

Certifications for Entry-Level Ethical Hackers

Which certification is best for beginners in ethical hacking?

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and CompTIA Security+ are the best starting certifications.

Do I need an OSCP certification for an entry-level job?

No, OSCP is an advanced certification, but eJPT or CEH is better suited for beginners.

Can I get a job with just a CEH certification?

Yes, CEH is widely recognized, but hands-on experience and projects will improve your chances.

How long does it take to prepare for CEH?

On average, it takes 2-3 months of dedicated study to pass the CEH exam.

Which certification is better: CEH or Security+?

Security+ is great for general cybersecurity knowledge, while CEH focuses specifically on ethical hacking.

Salary and Job Market for Ethical Hackers

How much does an entry-level ethical hacker earn?

• India: ₹4-8 LPA
• USA: $60,000 - $100,000 per year

Which country has the highest demand for ethical hackers?

Countries like USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and India have a high demand for cybersecurity professionals.

Do ethical hackers make good money?

Yes, experienced ethical hackers can earn ₹15-30 LPA in India and $120,000+ per year in the USA.

How fast can I get a job in ethical hacking?

With proper training, certifications, and practical skills, you can secure an entry-level role in 6-12 months.

Do freelance ethical hackers earn well?

Yes, many ethical hackers work as freelancers or bug bounty hunters, earning significant rewards.

How to Get Hired in Ethical Hacking?

What is the best way to start an ethical hacking career?

Start with learning networking, Linux, cybersecurity, and hands-on hacking labs, then earn certifications like CEH or Security+.

Where can I practice ethical hacking for free?

Platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and OverTheWire offer free ethical hacking labs.

How do I build a cybersecurity portfolio?

Document your projects, CTF challenges, penetration testing reports, and GitHub repositories.

Should I do an internship in cybersecurity?

Yes, internships help gain real-world experience and make it easier to land a full-time job.

Is networking important for getting an ethical hacking job?

Yes, building connections on LinkedIn and attending cybersecurity conferences can help in job hunting.

Common Challenges for Beginners in Ethical Hacking

Is ethical hacking hard to learn?

It depends on your background. With consistent practice and structured learning, it becomes easier.

What is the biggest challenge for beginner ethical hackers?

Understanding complex hacking methodologies and keeping up with cybersecurity trends can be challenging.

How do I stay updated in ethical hacking?

Follow blogs, attend cybersecurity webinars, and participate in hacking communities.

What if I don’t get hired after learning ethical hacking?

Gain real-world experience through internships, bug bounty programs, and freelance projects to improve your resume.

Is ethical hacking a stable career?

Yes, cybersecurity jobs are in high demand, making ethical hacking a secure and well-paying career choice.