Ethical Hacker and Penetration Tester
70AI USED FOR70%moving to95%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM COMPUTER SCIENCE →
Ethical Hacker and Penetration Tester
Are you fascinated by technology and love solving puzzles? As an Ethical Hacker, you'll get to outsmart cybercriminals and protect vital information! Dive into the thrilling world of cybersecurity where your skills can make a real difference in keeping people and businesses safe online.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This work is being absorbed by AI
AI already does much of this work and nothing structurally requires a human: no licence, no physical task, no relationship at the core. Expect fewer people in higher-judgment roles: enter as the person directing the tools, not competing with them.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Penetration TesterIn this role, you'll assist in testing systems for vulnerabilities, learning from experienced professionals while gaining hands-on experience in ethical hacking techniques.£25,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEPenetration TesterAs a Penetration Tester, you'll conduct thorough security assessments, simulate attacks, and provide recommendations to strengthen defenses, all while collaborating with various teams.£40,000 - £60,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Ethical HackerAt the peak of your career, you'll lead security initiatives, mentor junior staff, and develop strategies to combat emerging threats, playing a crucial role in safeguarding digital assets.£70,000+
4 live apprenticeship vacancies →
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Computer Engineering with Industrial StudiesUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£47,000 median
🎓Computer Science with Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of York · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Computing Science (Cybersecurity)University of Aberdeen · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Computer Games Design with AnimationAshton Sixth Form College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£39,000 median
🎓Computer and Electronic SystemsUniversity of Strathclyde · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Software Engineering (with Placement)Queen's University of Belfast · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
All Computer Science courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Computer Engineering with Industrial StudiesUniversity of Southampton · DegreeComputer Science with Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of York · DegreeComputing Science (Cybersecurity)University of Aberdeen · DegreeComputer Games Design with AnimationAshton Sixth Form College · DegreeComputer and Electronic SystemsUniversity of Strathclyde · DegreeSoftware Engineering (with Placement)Queen's University of Belfast · Degree