How to Start Your Career in Top Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs

Breaking into cybersecurity can feel overwhelming at first. Here’s the good news: there are multiple entry-level job paths designed specifically for newcomers. Whether you're transitioning from another field or just getting started in tech, roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, and Security Technician offer an accessible gateway into the industry. 

These positions emphasize foundational skills such as threat detection, incident response, and system monitoring, which are skills that are in high demand across every sector.

What makes cybersecurity especially appealing is its blend of purpose, growth potential, and job security. The industry continues to expand rapidly, with employers actively seeking entry-level professionals who can grow into more advanced roles. 

With the right training, certifications, and career strategy, you can start in a junior position and work your way up to specialized roles like penetration tester, cloud security engineer, or cybersecurity architect.

Breaking into cybersecurity starts with knowing where to aim. In this blog, we’ll uncover the top entry-level roles and show you exactly how to position yourself to land one.

Why are Entry-level Cybersecurity Roles in Demand?

Entry-level cybersecurity roles are in high demand due to a global skills shortage that has left over 3.5 million positions unfilled. As cyber threats grow in complexity and frequency, organizations across industries—from healthcare to finance—are scrambling to strengthen their defenses. 

Entry-level professionals are essential to these efforts, providing the first line of defense in many operations. They support key tasks like monitoring networks, identifying suspicious activity, and assisting with compliance protocols, all of which are vital to maintaining a secure environment.

The job outlook for cybersecurity is also exceptionally strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 356,000 new cybersecurity positions each year; information security analyst positions alone are forecasted to grow 33% through 2033, far outpacing the average for most occupations. 

This rapid growth reflects the urgent need for capable professionals at every level of expertise. For entry-level candidates, this means more job openings, faster advancement, and greater opportunity to build meaningful careers from day one. Roles like SOC Analyst, Vulnerability Management Assistant, and Compliance Coordinator are not only accessible but foundational to the industry’s success.

Exploring Common Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs 

If you’re aiming to break into cybersecurity in 2025 and beyond, understanding the most common entry-level roles is a smart first step. These positions offer hands-on experience, industry relevance, and clear paths for advancement.

Let’s examine some common entry-level cyber positions:

• Cybersecurity Analyst: Detects, analyzes, and responds to security incidents; manages alerts in SIEM tools.
• SOC Analyst (Tier 1): Monitors security events, escalates incidents to higher tiers.
• Security Technician: Assists with firewall updates, endpoint protection, and system hardening.
• IT Security Support Specialist: Bridges IT operations and security teams, supports access management.
• Compliance & Security Assistant: Supports audits and maintains security documentation.

Each of these entry-level roles plays a vital part in defending organizations against cyber threats while building your technical foundation. By starting in one of these positions, you’ll gain the real-world skills needed to grow into more advanced cybersecurity careers.

Skills Needed for Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs

To succeed in an entry-level cybersecurity role, you’ll need a mix of technical know-how and soft skills. Employers look for candidates who can analyze threats, communicate clearly, and adapt quickly in fast-paced environments.

Technical Skills

Let’s explore a few of the technical skills you might need to succeed in an entry-level cyber role.

• Network Fundamentals: Understanding how networks operate helps you identify abnormal traffic and potential threats.
• Operating Systems (Windows, Linux): Knowing how to navigate and secure different systems is key to defending against attacks.
• SIEM Tools (e.g., Splunk, QRadar): These tools help you monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents.
• Basic Scripting (Python, Bash): Scripting knowledge can help automate routine tasks and analyze security data more efficiently.
• Vulnerability Scanning Tools: Tools like Nessus or OpenVAS allow you to identify and prioritize security weaknesses.
• Incident Response Procedures: Knowing the steps to contain and resolve incidents ensures quick and effective action during a breach.

Mastering these core technical skills will prepare you to handle the daily challenges of entry-level cybersecurity roles with confidence.

Certifications

Let’s explore a few of the certifications you might need to succeed in an entry-level cyber role.

• CompTIA Security+: Widely recognized as the foundational cybersecurity certification, it covers core topics like risk management and network security.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Prepares you to think like an attacker, which is essential for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.
• CompTIA CySA+: A more advanced cert that focuses on threat detection and response, ideal for those looking to grow beyond entry-level roles.

Starting with Security+ and working toward advanced certifications like CySA+ can open the door to more specialized and higher-paying cybersecurity roles.

You can train for entry-level cybersecurity roles in just six months with QuickStart’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp. Explore the program to see how it prepares you for real-world jobs from day one.

Soft Skills

Let’s explore a few of the soft skills you might need to succeed in an entry-level cyber role.

• Attention to Detail: Spotting small anomalies or misconfigurations can prevent larger security issues.
• Clear Communication: Explaining technical risks in simple terms helps others understand and respond to threats effectively.
• Collaboration: Working closely with IT, compliance, and other departments is essential to coordinate security efforts.
• Documentation Skills: Keeping accurate records of incidents, policies, and procedures ensures accountability and supports audits.
• Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and responding quickly to incidents keeps operations secure and efficient.

Strong soft skills help cybersecurity professionals navigate complex environments and contribute meaningfully to organizational security.

What Career Path Growth Can I Experience?*

*These salaries and growth projections are national averages and can vary by industry, location, and certifications. QuickStart’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp prepares students for the skills and certifications that move learners toward the higher end of these ranges. 

Entry-level cybersecurity roles are just the beginning of a dynamic and rewarding career path. With hands-on experience and continued certification — such as Security+ and  CySA+— professionals can quickly advance to mid-level roles like Incident Responder or Cybersecurity Analyst. 

From there, many move into specialized positions such as Security Engineer or Security Architect, where strategic thinking and technical depth are key. Over time, those with leadership skills often transition into management roles, overseeing teams and shaping organizational security strategies. The combination of real-world experience and credentials significantly accelerates upward mobility and salary growth in this field.

With the right training — such as a cybersecurity bootcamp paired with certifications like Security+, CEH, or CySA+ — many professionals can move from entry-level to mid-level roles in as little as 12 to 24 months. Mid-level analysts often specialize in areas like incident response, threat intelligence, or vulnerability management.

For those aiming to reach leadership or advanced engineering roles, 5 to 10 years of experience along with high-level certifications like CISSP or SecurityX are typically required.

Find Your Future in Cybersecurity

QuickStart’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp is built to launch your career with confidence by combining hands-on labs, real-world simulations, and integrated Security+ certification prep.

From day one, students work through practical exercises that reflect the responsibilities of top entry-level roles like SOC Analyst and Cybersecurity Support Specialist.

Our career services team supports you with resume reviews tailored to entry-level job postings and mock interviews designed to mirror real hiring processes. With QuickStart, you gain not only technical skills and certification readiness but also the job search support to turn training into employment.