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Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · Hybrid

The Cybersecurity Penetration Tester is a hands-on technical role responsible for conducting simulated attacks on systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · Hybrid

The Cybersecurity Penetration Tester is a hands-on technical role responsible for conducting simulated attacks on systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be ...

ASRC Federal Holding

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · On-site

$130K - $147K/yr

The Cybersecurity Penetration Tester is a hands-on technical role responsible for conducting simulated attacks on systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

ASRC Federal Technology Solutions is seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to lead advanced ... across cybersecurity disciplines. Work Location : Hybrid, DC (3 days per week onsite ...

VTG

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA

$150K - $195K/yr

Possess extensive knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, industry standards, and advanced security ... TS/SCI with Poly Level 2 Penetration Tester: Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND Pen Tester ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

ASRC Federal Technology Solutions is seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to lead advanced ... across cybersecurity disciplines. Work Location : Hybrid, DC (3 days per week onsite ...

VTG

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

Possess extensive knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, industry standards, and advanced security ... TS/SCI with Poly Level 2 Penetration Tester: Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND Pen Tester ...

Spektrum

Penetration Tester

Hague, ND · On-site

The NCIA provides a wide range of services, including: * Cyber Security: The NCIA provides advanced ... Penetration Tester Role ID - C004912 Role Background The Penetration Tester will support NATO ...

New

VTG

Penetration Tester

Aurora, CO

$150K - $195K/yr

Possess extensive knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, industry standards, and advanced security ... TS/SCI with Poly Level 2 Penetration Tester: Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND Pen Tester ...

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Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do freelance cybersecurity penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance cybersecurity penetration tester in the United States is $119,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance cybersecurity penetration tester?

To thrive as a Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester, you need a solid foundation in network security, ethical hacking methodologies, and vulnerability assessment, often supported by certifications like CEH or OSCP. Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Kali Linux is essential for testing and exploiting security flaws. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear client communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure you can effectively identify vulnerabilities, communicate risks to clients, and help organizations strengthen their security posture.

What does a freelance cybersecurity penetration tester do?

A freelance cybersecurity penetration tester is an independent security professional who is hired to assess the security of computer systems, networks, or applications by simulating cyberattacks. Their main goal is to identify vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit and to provide recommendations for improving security. Unlike in-house testers, freelancers work on a contract basis for various clients, often using specialized tools and methodologies to conduct their assessments. They typically deliver detailed reports outlining their findings and suggested fixes.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance cybersecurity penetration testers when working with clients?

Freelance penetration testers often encounter challenges such as clearly defining the scope of testing, ensuring legal authorization, and managing communication with clients who may have varying levels of cybersecurity awareness. Additionally, freelancers must often adapt quickly to different network environments and security policies, while maintaining thorough documentation of their findings. Effective time management and client education are crucial for delivering valuable, actionable results and building long-term professional relationships.

What is the difference between Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester vs Freelance Security Analyst?

AspectFreelance Cybersecurity Penetration TesterFreelance Security Analyst
CertificationsCEH, OSCP, GPENCISSP, GIAC Security Essentials
Work EnvironmentSimulates attacks on systems to find vulnerabilitiesMonitors and analyzes security systems for threats
Employer UsageClients seeking penetration testing servicesOrganizations needing ongoing security monitoring

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Testers actively simulate attacks to identify weaknesses, whereas Freelance Security Analysts monitor and analyze security data to prevent breaches. The choice depends on whether the client needs testing or ongoing security management.

More about Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs? The most popular types of Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs are:
Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Cybersecurity Penetration Testing

3B Staffing LLC

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Cybersecurity Penetration Testing & SIEM Integration Engineer Location: Austin, TX (Onsite) Duration: Long-Term Contract All Visa no H1 Penetration testing (Kali Linux), SIEM integration (Splunk), security automation, REST APIs, and scripting (Python/Bash/PowerShell) with experience in CI/CD and microservices. Overview: We are seeking an experienced Cybersecurity Penetration Testing & SIEM Integration Engineer to support enterprise security initiatives, including Zero Trust architecture, continuous monitoring, and security automation. This role will work closely with the CISO organization to enhance threat detection, automate security testing, and integrate security platforms. Required Qualifications:
  • 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity, including automation and integrations
  • 8+ years of hands-on penetration testing experience (Kali Linux)
  • Strong scripting experience (Python, Bash, PowerShell)
  • 3+ years of software development experience (Python, Java, JavaScript, or C#)
  • Experience building REST APIs and enterprise integrations
  • Strong knowledge of Linux environments
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with SIEM integrations and security data pipelines (e.g., Splunk)
  • Experience designing scalable security architectures
  • Familiarity with Docker, VMware, and enterprise environments
  • Experience working in regulated environments
Certifications (Preferred):
  • OSCP / CEH
  • Splunk or SIEM-related certifications
  • Security+ / CISSP
  • Linux certifications
Nice to Have:
  • Experience with Zero Trust security models
  • Exposure to security automation frameworks and red team tools

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