You want to break into cybersecurity. You’ve read about the massive demand, the six figure salaries, and the job security. But when you actually start looking at job postings, reality hits hard.
“Entry level position. 3+ years of experience required. CompTIA Security+ certification mandatory. Familiarity with SIEM tools, Python scripting, and incident response procedures.”
Wait, what? How is that entry level?
Welcome to the cybersecurity job market. It’s confusing, frustrating, and honestly, the advice out there is all over the map. Some people say you need a degree. Others swear by certifications. Your friend’s cousin supposedly landed a SOC analyst job with just a bootcamp.
I’ve spent months researching this topic, talking to hiring managers, reviewing hundreds of job postings, and tracking down people who successfully broke into the field. Here’s what I learned: Yes, the demand is real. Yes, the salaries are solid. But no, it’s not as simple as getting a certificate and sending out resumes.
Let me show you what actually works in 2025.
The Reality of Entry Level Cybersecurity Jobs
First, let’s be honest about what “entry level” actually means in cybersecurity.
Most cybersecurity professionals enter the field after gaining experience in an entry level IT role. The National Security Agency defines entry level as requiring a bachelor’s degree plus up to three years of relevant experience, or less with higher level degrees.
This creates a catch 22 that drives new people mad. How do you get experience if every job requires experience?
Here’s the truth: Cybersecurity isn’t typically an entry level field. But that doesn’t mean you can’t break in. It just means you need to approach it strategically.
What Employers Actually Want
When companies post entry level cybersecurity jobs, they’re looking for people who can:
Understand how systems work. You don’t need to be a networking expert, but you should know how data flows through networks, how operating systems function, and where vulnerabilities typically hide.
Think like an attacker. Security is about anticipating problems before they happen. Employers want people who can spot weaknesses and think creatively about potential threats.
Communicate clearly. You’ll need to explain technical issues to non technical people, write incident reports, and work with teams across the organization.
Learn constantly. The threat landscape changes every day. If you’re not someone who enjoys continuous learning, this field will burn you out fast.
Notice what’s not on that list? A specific degree or even years of paid experience. What matters most is demonstrating you have the skills and mindset.
Common Entry Level Cybersecurity Job Titles
Let’s break down the actual positions you’ll be targeting. These are the real entry level roles, not the “entry level” jobs that actually require five years of experience.
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
This is probably the most common entry point into cybersecurity. SOC analysts monitor security alerts, investigate potential threats, and respond to incidents.
What you’ll actually do: Watch dashboards, analyze security logs, investigate alerts that might be false positives (most are), escalate real threats to senior analysts, and document everything.
Tools you’ll use: SIEM platforms like Splunk or Chronicle, ticketing systems, network monitoring tools, and lots of spreadsheets.
Salaries range from $65,000 to $75,000 annually for associate level positions. Some companies call this role Associate SOC Analyst, Tier 1 Analyst, or Security Analyst I.
The honest truth: This job can be repetitive. You’ll spend a lot of time investigating false positives. Many positions involve shift work, including nights and weekends. But it’s solid experience that teaches you how attacks actually happen and how security teams respond.
Information Security Analyst
This is a broader role that focuses on protecting an organization’s systems and data. You’ll monitor networks for data security vulnerabilities and investigate, document, and report security breaches.
What you’ll actually do: Run vulnerability scans, review security policies, conduct risk assessments, help implement security controls, and work on compliance projects.
Tools you’ll use: Vulnerability scanners like Nessus or Qualys, configuration management tools, documentation platforms.
Entry level information security analysts earn an average of $99,400 per year, with most salaries ranging between $79,500 and $115,500. The wide range reflects differences in location, company size, and your specific responsibilities.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Similar to information security analyst but often focused more on active threat hunting and prevention.
What you’ll actually do: Analyze security threats, test security measures, implement security software, research the latest security trends, and help develop security policies.
An entry level cybersecurity analyst with less than one year of experience earns an average total compensation of $70,828, while those with 1 to 4 years of experience earn around $78,992.
IT Security Specialist
This role blends traditional IT support with security responsibilities. It’s a great option if you’re coming from an IT background.
What you’ll actually do: Manage user access, configure firewalls, maintain security systems, respond to security incidents, and perform security log analysis.
Salary ranges typically fall between $72,250 and $97,750.
Junior Penetration Tester
This is the offensive security path. Instead of defending systems, you attack them (legally) to find weaknesses.
What you’ll actually do: Conduct authorized attacks on systems, document vulnerabilities, write detailed reports explaining findings, and recommend fixes.
Tools you’ll use: Kali Linux, Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap, various exploitation frameworks.
Entry level penetration testers earn an average annual salary of $76,237, with more experienced professionals earning over $116,000.
The catch: This is harder to land as a true entry level position. Most companies want penetration testers with proven skills because you’re literally trying to break their systems.
Real Salary Expectations
Let’s talk money. You’ve probably seen wildly different salary figures thrown around. Here are the actual numbers for 2025.
The average annual pay for entry level cybersecurity positions in the United States is $132,962 per year. Salaries range from $111,000 at the 25th percentile to $150,000 at the 75th percentile.
However, that’s the broad average across all types of entry level security roles. Your actual salary will depend heavily on:
Geographic location. San Francisco, New York, and Washington DC pay significantly more than smaller cities. But cost of living matters. A $90,000 salary in Texas might give you more purchasing power than $120,000 in San Francisco.
Company size and industry. Large tech companies and financial institutions pay more than small businesses or nonprofits. Government positions offer stability and good benefits but typically lower base salaries.
Your specific role. SOC analysts typically start lower. Security engineers start higher. Penetration testers with proven skills can command premium salaries even at junior levels.
Your background. If you’re transitioning from another IT role, you might negotiate higher starting pay. Complete beginners typically start at the lower end of ranges.
There are nearly half a million open cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. alone. The demand is real, but so is the competition.
Skills You Actually Need
Stop obsessing over certifications for a minute. Let’s talk about the practical skills that will help you get hired.
Technical Skills
Networking fundamentals. You need to understand TCP/IP, DNS, routing, firewalls, and VPNs. You don’t need to be a network engineer, but you should know how networks function and how attacks spread through them.
Operating systems. Solid knowledge of both Windows and Linux is essential. Familiarity with different operating systems, especially Windows and Linux, is crucial for cybersecurity roles.
Scripting and programming. Python is the most valuable language in cybersecurity. You’ll write scripts to automate tasks, analyze logs, and develop security tools. Bash scripting for Linux is also highly useful.
Security tools. Learn Wireshark for network analysis, Nmap for network scanning, Metasploit for penetration testing, and how SIEM tools work. Free resources like TryHackMe and Hack The Box let you practice these skills.
Cloud security basics. More companies are moving to cloud infrastructure. Understanding AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud security is increasingly valuable.
Soft Skills That Actually Matter
Problem solving ability. Security is about figuring out what went wrong and why. You need to enjoy investigating puzzles and connecting dots.
Attention to detail. Missing small indicators can mean missing real threats. This job requires focus.
Clear communication. You’ll need to explain technical issues to non technical people. If you can’t communicate what you found and why it matters, your technical skills are less valuable.
Curiosity and continuous learning. A successful cybersecurity career requires curiosity and a love of learning. New vulnerabilities, tools, and attack techniques emerge constantly.
Stress management. When a real incident happens, things get intense. You need to work effectively under pressure.
How to Get Experience Without a Job
This is the million dollar question. How do you build experience when nobody will hire you without experience?
Build a Home Lab
All you need is a decent computer with virtualization capabilities. Set up different operating systems like Windows Server and Linux, create basic networking configurations, and implement security tools and monitoring solutions.
This isn’t theoretical. A home lab gives you hands on experience you can discuss in interviews. You’re not just saying “I know Linux.” You’re saying “I built a Linux server, configured SSH hardening, set up fail2ban, and monitored logs with Splunk.”
Start small and expand as you learn. Use VirtualBox or VMware to run multiple systems on one machine. Document everything you do. Take screenshots. Write up your projects.
Use Free Practice Platforms
Platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and LetsDefend provide realistic cybersecurity scenarios. They’re not just games. Many employers recognize these platforms and value the skills they teach.
Tools like Wireshark, Splunk, or free resources like TryHackMe or Hack The Box are invaluable for building practical skills. Employers want candidates who can do more than talk theory.
Complete rooms and challenges. Earn badges. Export your profile. These become portfolio items proving you’ve done the work.
Contribute to Open Source Projects
Security tools are often open source. Contributing to these projects gives you real experience and shows initiative. You don’t need to write complex code. Documentation improvements, bug reports, and testing are valuable contributions.
Volunteer Your Skills
Nonprofits and small businesses need security help but can’t afford consultants. Offer to conduct basic security assessments, help implement better practices, or provide security awareness training.
This gives you real world experience, references, and portfolio items. Plus, you’re helping organizations that genuinely need it.
Certifications That Actually Help
Now we can talk about certifications. They matter, but not as much as most people think.
CompTIA Security+
Security+ has grown to become the most popular cybersecurity certification in the world. It represents the knowledge and tools required for entry level information security professionals to begin a successful career.
This is the certification most employers recognize. It’s vendor neutral, covers broad security concepts, and meets DoD 8570 requirements for government positions.
Cost: Around $404 for the exam. Study time: 2 to 4 months with consistent effort.
Is it mandatory? No. But it definitely helps, especially for your first role.
(ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
The (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is the top pick for complete beginners. It’s globally recognized, free to train for in some regions, and requires no prior experience.
This is newer than Security+ but gaining traction fast. It’s more accessible for absolute beginners and costs less (around $50 for the exam).
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
This certification focuses on penetration testing and offensive security. It’s more specialized and more expensive (around $1,199).
The CEH is a fundamental requirement for many job profiles focused on ethical hacking. But it’s probably not your first certification unless you’re specifically targeting penetration testing roles.
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
This isn’t a certification in the traditional sense, but the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is gaining recognition. The program includes hands on projects that give you portfolio items. It’s cheap (under $300 if you finish in six months) and actually teaches practical skills.
My Honest Take on Certifications
Many job postings that might objectively only need relevant work experience and security knowledge often still require cybersecurity certifications due to company policy or HR filters.
Here’s the strategy that works: Pick one certification, probably Security+ or CC, and combine it with practical skills from home labs and practice platforms. Don’t collect certifications like Pokemon. One good certification plus demonstrable skills beats five certifications with no hands on experience.
Breaking In: What Actually Works
Let’s talk strategy. Here’s what successful career changers actually did to land their first cybersecurity job.
Start in Adjacent IT Roles
Many professionals get their start in help desk, IT support, or network admin roles before transitioning into security.
This is probably the most reliable path. Get a job in IT support, network administration, or systems administration. Learn the fundamentals. Then transition to security internally or with your next job.
The advantage: You understand how systems work in production environments. You know the challenges of implementing security in real organizations. You’re not just theoretically qualified.
Apply to More Jobs Than You Think Necessary
Some people applied to 300 to 500 jobs before landing their first role. Set a weekly application goal.
Yes, that sounds exhausting. But here’s the reality: You’ll get rejected a lot. Many job descriptions are wish lists, not requirements. Many entry level jobs ask for 2 to 3 years of experience by default. Apply anyway if you meet at least 60 to 70 percent of the qualifications.
Use Managed Service/Security Providers as Launch Pads
Managed service providers (MSPs) and managed security service providers (MSSPs) often have higher turnover and lower entry barriers, making them great launchpads.
These companies provide security services to multiple clients. They hire more entry level people and provide accelerated learning because you’re exposed to many different environments.
The work can be demanding and the turnover is real. But as a first job in security, they’re valuable.
Network Strategically
Developing skills allows you to perform the job, but in many cases, networking with people is what gives you the best chance of getting a job. Networking is a force multiplier for your chances at breaking into cybersecurity.
This doesn’t mean spamming LinkedIn connection requests. It means:
Join cybersecurity communities. Participate in Discord servers, Reddit communities, and local meetups. Actually contribute to discussions.
Reach out for informational interviews. Message people who currently hold similar titles. Politely ask for 15 minutes of their time to learn about their day to day tasks and how they navigated their career paths.
Attend conferences and local events. BSides conferences happen in cities everywhere and are affordable. You meet real people doing the work.
Share what you’re learning. Blog about your home lab projects. Post about certifications you’re studying for. Tweet about cybersecurity topics that interest you. Visibility matters.
Tailor Every Application
List specific tools, labs, or platforms you’ve worked with like Wireshark, Splunk, or Kali Linux. Use action verbs, quantify achievements, and align your resume with the job posting.
Generic resumes get ignored. Take the time to customize your resume and cover letter for each position. Mirror the language in the job description. Highlight the specific skills they’re asking for.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After researching this extensively, I’ve seen the same mistakes repeatedly. Don’t do these things:
Waiting until you’re “ready” to start applying. You’ll never feel completely ready. Once you have basic skills and maybe one certification, start applying. The interview process itself is educational.
Thinking certifications alone will get you hired. They help. But employers want to see evidence that you can actually do the work. Build projects. Complete labs. Create a portfolio.
Ignoring soft skills. Technical abilities get you the interview. Communication skills, problem solving, and cultural fit get you the job.
Only applying to “cybersecurity” titles. Look for IT roles with security components. Systems administrators, network administrators, and even help desk roles can be stepping stones.
Trying to learn everything. Security is massive. Pick a path (defensive security, offensive security, cloud security, etc.) and go deep in that area first.
Getting discouraged by rejections. The cybersecurity field is growing fast, but so is the competition. If you focus on practical skills, build real relationships, and demonstrate your passion for learning, you’ll stand out.
Your Action Plan
Here’s a realistic roadmap for breaking into entry level cybersecurity jobs in 2025:
Months 1 to 2: Build Foundation Learn networking fundamentals and operating systems basics. Use free resources like Professor Messer or NetworkChuck on YouTube. Set up a home lab and start practicing.
Months 3 to 4: Develop Practical Skills Start working through TryHackMe or Hack The Box. Build projects you can showcase. Begin studying for Security+ or CC certification.
Months 5 to 6: Get Certified and Apply Take your certification exam. Create a strong resume highlighting your projects and skills. Start applying to roles even if you don’t meet every requirement.
Ongoing: Network and Learn Join communities. Share what you’re learning. Connect with people in the field. Continue building skills. Apply consistently.
This timeline is flexible. If you’re working full time, it might take longer. If you can dedicate more time, you might move faster. The key is consistent progress.
The Long Term Perspective
Information security analysts will see 29 percent job growth between 2024 and 2034. This field isn’t a fad. The demand is growing, not shrinking.
Your first cybersecurity job probably won’t be your dream job. It might involve shift work, lots of false positives, or tedious tasks. That’s okay. You’re building experience.
An early career cybersecurity analyst with 1 to 4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $78,992. Within a few years, you can move into specialized roles that better match your interests and pay significantly more.
The career progression in this field is real. People who start as SOC analysts become threat hunters, incident responders, security engineers, penetration testers, and security architects. Leadership positions like Security Manager or CISO are attainable.
But it all starts with getting that first position.
Final Thoughts
Breaking into entry level cybersecurity jobs isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely doable if you approach it strategically.
Even without prior experience, you can break into the field through self study, certifications, and entry level positions. You don’t need a computer science degree. You don’t need years of paid experience before starting. What you need is willingness to learn, ability to demonstrate practical skills, and persistence through the job search.
The opportunity is real. CyberSeek data showed a total of 457,398 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. as of March 2025. Companies need people. They’re willing to hire motivated beginners who can prove they have the skills and mindset.
Start building your skills today. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Set up a home lab this weekend. Sign up for TryHackMe. Start studying for Security+. Begin applying to roles even before you feel ready.
The field needs you. Now go make it happen.
Additional Resources
For comprehensive information about cybersecurity careers and skill frameworks, visit the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) career resources page.
To explore cybersecurity training and practice labs, check out TryHackMe, a hands on platform used by professionals and beginners alike.
This guide is based on extensive research of current job market data, salary information from multiple authoritative sources, and insights from cybersecurity professionals who successfully transitioned into the field. All statistics and figures reflect 2025 market conditions.
