Entry-Level Cyber Security Jobs in USA (2025–2026 Guide)

In 2025–2026, entry-level cyber security jobs in the USA offer high starting salaries, strong job security, and remote work opportunities.

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What Is an Entry-Level Cyber Security Job?

Entry-level cyber security jobs are designed for beginners, fresh graduates, or career switchers. These roles focus on:

• Monitoring systems
• Detecting threats
• Assisting senior security teams
• Learning real-world security operations

Most jobs do not require advanced experience but do need basic cyber knowledge and certifications.

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Entry-Level Cyber Security Salary in USA

Job Level	Average Salary
Entry Level	$65,000 – $95,000
With Certification	$75,000 – $110,000
Remote Jobs	$70,000 – $100,000

👉 Even beginners can earn $80,000+ per year with the right skills.

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Top Entry-Level Cyber Security Jobs in USA

4

1️⃣ Cyber Security Analyst (Junior)

• Salary: $70,000 – $100,000
• Monitor security alerts
• Analyze threats & logs
• Most common entry-level role

2️⃣ SOC Analyst (Level 1)

• Salary: $65,000 – $95,000
• Works in Security Operations Center
• Night shifts sometimes available
• Great learning opportunity

3️⃣ IT Security Support / Assistant

• Salary: $60,000 – $85,000
• Helps with system security tasks
• Ideal for complete beginners

4️⃣ Network Security Technician

• Salary: $70,000 – $95,000
• Firewalls, VPNs, network monitoring
• Good for networking background students

5️⃣ Junior Penetration Tester (Trainee)

• Salary: $75,000 – $110,000
• Ethical hacking basics
• Bug testing & vulnerability scanning

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Skills Required for Entry-Level Cyber Security Jobs

4

Basic skills employers expect:

• Networking fundamentals
• Linux & Windows basics
• Cyber security concepts
• SIEM tools (basic)
• Risk & compliance awareness
• Communication & reporting

💡 Programming is NOT mandatory at entry level.

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Best Certifications for Entry-Level Jobs

Certification	Job Impact
CompTIA Security+	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Cybersecurity Certificate	⭐⭐⭐⭐
CEH (Beginner Level)	⭐⭐⭐⭐
SSCP	⭐⭐⭐
Network+	⭐⭐⭐

👉 Security+ is the most recommended for beginners in the USA.

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Entry-Level Cyber Security Jobs Without Experience

Yes ✅
You can get a job if you have:

• Certification
• Lab practice
• Internship or project
• Basic IT knowledge

Many US companies train freshers internally.

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Where to Find Entry-Level Cyber Security Jobs in USA

• LinkedIn Jobs
• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• Company career pages
• Government & defense portals
• Remote job platforms

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Career Growth After Entry Level

After 1–2 years, you can move to:

• Ethical Hacker
• Cloud Security Engineer
• Incident Response Analyst
• Security Architect

💰 Salary after growth: $120,000 – $180,000+

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Is Entry-Level Cyber Security a Good Career in USA?

✅ High salary
✅ Strong job demand
✅ Remote opportunities
✅ Career growth
✅ No age limit

Yes — it is one of the best entry-level IT careers in the USA.

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Conclusion

Entry-level cyber security jobs in the USA offer excellent pay, stability, and long-term growth. With basic skills and certifications, beginners can start earning $70,000+ per year and grow rapidly in this field.