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Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VTG is looking for multiple levels of Penetration Tester in Chantilly VA and Aurora CO. The role ... cybersecurity professionals, and staying abreast of emerging threats. โ€ข possess additional years ...

Providing intelligence, IT, cyber security, training, logistics, administrative, acquisition, and background investigation services. Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform ...

Providing intelligence, IT, cyber security, training, logistics, administrative, acquisition, and background investigation services. Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform ...

Minimum Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information ... A minimum of five (5)+ years of hands-on penetration testing experience, including network, system ...

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Principal Penetration TesterAltus Consulting seeks a seasoned cybersecurity professional to spearhead our penetration testing initiatives. As a key member of our elite team, you'll play a crucial ...

The role of Penetration Tester (Pen Tester)* is a security professional who reviews and evaluates ... Possess knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, industry standards, and advanced security tools Pen ...

... in cybersecurity and support multiple government and commercial clients for a variety of missions ... The Senior Penetration Tester serves as a technical lead supporting the Department of Health and ...

Conducting cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability assessments, and security control validation in ... Performing penetration testing and utilizing technical tools for packet capture, configuration ...

Principal Penetration Tester Altus Consulting seeks a seasoned cybersecurity professional to spearhead our penetration testing initiatives. As a key member of our elite team, you'll play a crucial ...

The role of Penetration Tester (Pen Tester)* is a security professional who reviews and evaluates ... Possess knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, industry standards, and advanced security tools Pen ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 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 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 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.

Are freelance cybersecurity penetration testers in demand?

Freelance cybersecurity penetration testers are in high demand due to increasing cybersecurity threats and the need for organizations to identify vulnerabilities. They often work on a project basis, utilizing skills in tools like Kali Linux and knowledge of network protocols, with certifications such as OSCP enhancing employability. The demand is expected to grow as cybersecurity becomes a top priority for businesses worldwide.

Can you be a freelance cybersecurity penetration tester?

A freelance cybersecurity penetration tester is an independent professional who assesses the security of computer systems and networks by simulating cyberattacks. They typically need strong technical skills, knowledge of tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit, and relevant certifications such as OSCP or CEH. Freelancers often set their own schedules and work remotely for various clients.
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States with the most job openings for Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs include:

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The top searched job categories for Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Dark Wolf Solutions

Colorado Springs, CO โ€ข Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Dark Wolf is actively seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to join our innovative team. This individual will play a critical role in assessing and enhancing the security of various products, including hardware, software, and embedded systems. This role demands a deep understanding of penetration testing methodologies and advanced exploit development, focusing on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities across a wide range of technologies. As a Junior Product and Hardware Security Penetration Tester, you will have the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the enhancement of security across a wide range of products. If you possess a strong background in penetration testing and a passion for cybersecurity, we encourage you to apply for this pivotal role. This position is set to be supported in a hybrid work environment out of the DC Metro area. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Conducting comprehensive penetration testing on hardware, software, and network components.
  • Performing advanced vulnerability scanning and assessments on all components.
  • Performing a Cybersecurity evaluation of the product under test to identify vulnerabilities that would negatively impact the Confidentiality, Integrity, or Availability of system data or functionality.
  • Analyzing software, firmware, hardware, and/or RF components within the system.
  • Opining on the impact and level of effort required to exploit the identified vulnerabilities as well as providing information on a high-level remediation strategy.
  • Developing and executing exploits and proof-of-concept (PoC) attacks to demonstrate the impact of identified vulnerabilities.
  • Analyzing and reverse engineering firmware and embedded systems to identify security weaknesses.
  • Testing and assessing the security of secure boot processes and Trusted Execution Environments (TEE).
  • Conducting web application security assessments, focusing on OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and API security testing.
  • Performing manual verification of vulnerabilities, assessing their risk and exploitability.
  • Engaging in wireless and RF security testing, including penetration testing on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee networks.
  • Utilizing Software Defined Radio (SDR) for protocol reverse engineering and testing.
  • Reporting detailed findings, documenting case details, and providing actionable recommendations for remediation to enhance product security based on system analysis.
  • Planning and executing full-scale, cross-domain vulnerability assessments, network penetration testing, and phishing/social engineering campaigns.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related field
  • Minimum of 2+ years' experience in three or more specific areas to include: intelligence analysis, network engineering, networking security, penetration testing, red team operations, hardware engineering, software engineering, exploit development, reverse engineering, vulnerability assessment, physical security assessments, or social engineering
  • Proficiency with cloud technology and deployments across Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Proficiency in the testing and assessment of mobile operating systems, embedded systems, and/or IoT devices
  • Experience in drafting reports, documenting case details, and summarizing findings and recommendations based on system analysis
  • Experience performing advanced vulnerability scanning and assessments on all components
  • Experience conducting web application security assessments, focusing on OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and API security testing
  • Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong understanding of NIST 800-53 frameworks
  • US Citizenship and an active security clearance at a minimum of the Secret Level
Desired Qualifications:
  • Proven ability to develop and execute complex exploits and PoC attacks
  • Strong analytical skills and experience in firmware, binary exploitation, and embedded systems testing
  • Advanced knowledge of Software Defined Radio (SDR) and protocol reverse engineering
  • Active professional certifications such as CEH, OSCP, PNPT, GPEN, or similar security/pen testing certifications

The salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $145,000.00 commensurate on experience and technical skillset.ย 

We are open to considering a variety of levels of experience for these projects and potential for 1099 hourly opportunity.ย 

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.ย 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity, confirm US Citizenship, and complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.