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How To Land The Best Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs Today
The cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, with a growing demand for skilled professionals to protect digital assets. As of 2025, the industry offers numerous entry-level opportunities for those eager to begin their careers. This guide provides insights into top entry-level cybersecurity roles and actionable steps to secure them.
Understanding the Cybersecurity Job Market in 2025
The cybersecurity sector continues to expand, driven by increasing cyber threats and the need for robust digital defenses. Recent data indicates a significant shortage of qualified professionals, with only enough tech pros to fill 83% of available security jobs.
Top Entry-Level Cybersecurity Roles
Here are some prominent entry-level positions to consider:
1. Cybersecurity Analyst
Role Overview: Cybersecurity Analysts are on the frontline of defense, monitoring network traffic and analyzing system logs to identify and respond to security threats.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitoring networks for suspicious ac
- Analyzing vulnerabilities and implementing security measures.
- Generating security reports.
Average Salary: $75,000–$95,000 per year.
2. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Role Overview: SOC Analysts detect, analyze, and respond to security incidents in real-time within a collaborative team environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitoring security alerts.
- Analyzing logs for unusual activity.
- Escalating threats to senior staff.
Average Salary: $70,000–$90,000 per year.
3. IT Auditor
Role Overview: IT Auditors assess and report on an organization’s technologies, focusing on security, compliance, and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting analyses and assessments.
- Highlighting issues related to security and compliance.
- Planning and performing audits.
Average Salary: $69,210 per year.
4. Penetration Testing Intern or Junior Pen Tester
*Entry-level penetration testers assist in testing system defenses by simulating cyberattacks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Running vulnerability scans.
- Documenting findings in detailed reports.
- Assisting with remediation efforts.
Average Salary: $85,000–$105,000 per year.
5. Cybersecurity Consultant (Junior)
Role Overview: Junior cybersecurity consultants work under senior consultants to assess risks and recommend security strategies to clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting in risk assessments.
- Drafting reports and recommendations.
- Supporting client implementations.
Average Salary: $80,000–$100,000 per year.
6. Network Administrator (with Cybersecurity Focus)
Role Overview: Network Administrators manage and secure organizational networks, often with a focus on cybersecurity tasks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing routers and switches.
- Implementing access control policies.
- Responding to network security incidents.
Average Salary: $75,000–$95,000 per year.
Skills Needed for Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs
To succeed in these roles, focus on developing the following skills:
- Technical Skills: Networking fundamentals, operating systems (Windows/Linux), and security tools (e.g., Wireshark, Splunk).
- Soft Skills: Problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication.
- Certifications: Entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Cisco’s CCNA.
How to Land Your First Cybersecurity Job
Breaking into cybersecurity can be competitive, but following these steps will set you up for success:
1. Build a Strong Foundation
- Learn the Basics: Understand networking, operating systems, and key security concepts through free resources like Cybrary or paid platforms like Coursera.
- Earn Certifications: Certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH demonstrate your knowledge to potential employers.
2. Gain Hands-On Experience
- Create a Home Lab: Use virtual machines to simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios.
- Volunteer or Intern: Offer your skills to nonprofits or small businesses for free or as an intern to build your portfolio.
3. Tailor Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
- Highlight transferable skills from past experiences, even if they aren’t directly related to cybersecurity.
- Use action verbs like “monitored,” “analyzed,” and “secured.”
- Showcase certifications and projects prominently.
4. Network Like a Pro
- Join cybersecurity communities like Reddit’s r/cybersecurity or Cybersecurity Meetup groups in your area.
- Attend industry events and webinars to connect with professionals who can provide job leads or mentorship.
5. Ace the Interview
- Research common interview questions for cybersecurity roles.
- Prepare to demonstrate your problem-solving approach through scenario-based questions.
- Show enthusiasm for the field and a willingness to learn.
📚 Ready to Jumpstart Your Cybersecurity Career?
Discover everything you need to know in my Cybersecurity Career Guide!
- Learn the top certifications for beginners.
- Explore high-paying career paths.
- Get insider tips to ace interviews.