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Hacker Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Manual Ethical Hacking is part of the Application Development Security Framework Program within Bank of America's Cyber Security Assurance Offensive Security group. The program provides services to ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $132K/yr

Manual Ethical Hacking is part of the Application Development Security Framework Program within Bank of America's Cyber Security Assurance Offensive Security group. The program provides services to ...

Health Hacker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

About Next|Health Next Health is a leader in the health optimization and longevity industry, dedicated to revolutionizing wellness through advanced medical solutions and cutting-edge technology. We ...

Enterprise Account Executive

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$116K - $160K/yr

Our network of hackers brings diverse expertise to uncover hidden weaknesses, adapting swiftly to evolving threats, even against zero-day exploits. With unmatched scalability and adaptability, our ...

Java Angular

Chicago, IL · On-site

$54 - $69.75/hr

... github, hacker rank links etc if they have them * Working on Card Tech existing systems and services (high transaction applications). Will do enhancements and maintenance. * Full stack, mostly ...

Apply the latest cryptology techniques to protect digital transaction data against cyberattacks and information hacks. * Maintain client and server-side applications. * Optimize and secure blockchain ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hacker information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18.5K

$87.4K

$170.9K

How much do hacker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for hacker in Chicago, IL is $87,436.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,321.00 and $120,091.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hacker?

A hacker is an individual who uses technical knowledge and computer skills to gain unauthorized access to systems or networks, often by bypassing security measures. Hackers can have various motivations, from curiosity and learning to malicious intent such as stealing data or causing harm. While the term 'hacker' is often associated with cybercriminals, it can also refer to ethical hackers who help organizations identify and fix security vulnerabilities. The cybersecurity industry distinguishes between 'white-hat' (ethical), 'black-hat' (malicious), and 'gray-hat' (mixed intent) hackers. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing the different roles hackers play in the digital world.

What is a hacker?

A hacker is an accomplished computer user who utilizes their technical skills to solve problems in computing. The term “hacker” has become associated with security hacking, which is the practice of using bugs or other types of technical attacks to circumvent computer security and break into computer systems. Not all hackers, however, break into systems for their own gain. White hat or ethical hackers use their skills to get around security in order to demonstrate problems in security to systems operators. The term “hacking” is also used outside of computer and IT contexts and refers to experimenting with new methods or ideas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hacker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hacker (ethical or cybersecurity specialist), you need a deep understanding of computer networks, programming languages, operating systems, and security protocols, often supported by relevant IT or cybersecurity certifications. Familiarity with tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Wireshark, and vulnerability scanners is typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and discretion are essential soft skills that set top professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualities are vital to effectively identify vulnerabilities, protect systems, and ensure organizational security in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

What are some common challenges ethical hackers face when conducting penetration tests for organizations?

Ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers, often encounter challenges such as limited timeframes to complete thorough assessments, navigating complex and constantly evolving IT environments, and ensuring clear communication with stakeholders who may not be familiar with technical jargon. Additionally, they must carefully document their findings and work within legal and ethical boundaries to avoid disrupting business operations. Collaboration with IT teams is essential to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed effectively and recommendations are implemented.

What is the difference between Hacker vs Penetration Tester?

AspectHackerPenetration Tester
CredentialsMay have certifications like CEH, OSCP, but not alwaysOften holds certifications like CEH, OSCP, CISSP
Work EnvironmentCan be employed or freelance, sometimes in illegal activitiesLegally employed or contracted to test security
Industry UsageUsed broadly, including malicious and ethical contextsPrimarily in cybersecurity and IT security sectors

While both hackers and penetration testers possess technical skills to identify vulnerabilities, hackers may operate illegally or ethically, whereas penetration testers work within legal boundaries to improve security.

Do hackers get paid well?

Hackers, particularly ethical or cybersecurity professionals, can earn competitive salaries depending on experience, skills, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced security analysts or penetration testers often earn high wages, especially in specialized environments or with advanced tools and knowledge.

What do hackers do as a job?

Hackers employed as cybersecurity professionals, often called ethical hackers or penetration testers, analyze computer systems to identify vulnerabilities and improve security. They use tools like vulnerability scanners and follow industry standards, often holding certifications such as CEH or OSCP, to help organizations protect their data and infrastructure.

What jobs are there for hackers?

Hackers can pursue careers such as cybersecurity analyst, penetration tester, security consultant, or ethical hacker. These roles involve identifying vulnerabilities, testing security systems, and protecting organizations from cyber threats, often requiring knowledge of tools like Kali Linux, programming skills, and relevant certifications such as CEH or CISSP.
Infographic showing various Hacker job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,436 per year, or $42 per hour.

Manual Ethical Hacker

Bank of America

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Bank Of America rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 530 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 172 rated banks


Job description

Job Description:

At Bank of America, we are guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better through the power of every connection. We do this by driving Responsible Growth and delivering for our clients, teammates, communities and shareholders every day.
Being a Great Place to Work is core to how we drive Responsible Growth. This includes our commitment to being an inclusive workplace, attracting and developing exceptional talent, supporting our teammates' physical, emotional, and financial wellness, recognizing and rewarding performance, and how we make an impact in the communities we serve.
Bank of America is committed to an in-office culture with specific requirements for office-based attendance and which allows for an appropriate level of flexibility for our teammates and businesses based on role-specific considerations.
At Bank of America, you can build a successful career with opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact. Join us!

Job Description:

Manual Ethical Hacking is part of the Application Development Security Framework Program within Bank of America's Cyber Security Assurance Offensive Security group. The program provides services to assess the vulnerability of the bank's applications to malicious hacking activity.

This intermediate technical role is responsible for performing application security assessments of the bank's technologies, applications, and cyber security controls while adapting testing methods to evolving and emerging threats. Key responsibilities include performing research, understanding the bank's security policies, working with the appropriate partners to complete assessments and simulations, identifying misconfigurations and vulnerabilities, and reporting on associated risk. These individuals partner closely with security partners, CIO clients and multiples lines of business.

Key Responsibilities in order of importance:

  • Perform assigned analysis of internal and external threats on information systems and predict future threat behavior
  • Incorporate threat actors' tactics, techniques, and procedures into offensive security testing
  • Perform assessments of the security, effectiveness, and practicality of multiple technology systems
  • Leverage innovative thinking to help solve problems or introduce new ideas to processes or products applicable to offensive security.
  • Prepare and present detailed technical information for various media including documents, reports, and notifications
  • Provide clear and practical advice regarding managed risks
  • Learn and develop advanced technical and leadership skills, Mentor Junior assessors in technical tradecraft and soft skills

Required Skills:

  • Minimum of 4 years of professional pentesting, application security or ethical hacking experience, preferably in a large, complex, enterprise environment
  • Detailed technical knowledge in at least 3 of the following areas: security engineering; application architecture; authentication and security protocols; application session management; applied cryptography; common communication protocols; mobile frameworks; single sign-on technologies; exploit automation platforms; RESTful web services
  • SQL injection/XSS attack without the use of tools
  • Experience performing manual code reviews for security relevant issues
  • Experience working with SAST tools to identify vulnerabilities
  • Able to manually identify and reproduce findings, discuss remediation concepts, develop PoCs for vulnerabilities, use scripting/coding techniques, proficiently execute common penetration testing tools, triage, and support incidents, and produce high value findings
  • Experience performing manual web application assessments i.e., must be able to simulate a
  • Knowledge of network and Web related protocols/technologies (e.g., UNIX/LINUX, TCP/IP, Cookies)
  • Experience with vulnerability assessment tools and penetration testing techniques
  • Solid programming/debugging skills
  • Experience of using a variety of tools, included, but not limited to, IBM AppScan, Burp and SQL Map
  • Threat Analysis
  • Innovative Thinking
  • Technology Systems Assessment
  • Technical Documentation
  • Advisory

Desired:

  • CISSP, CEH, OSCP, OSWE, GPEN, PenTest+ or similar
  • Strong programming/scripting skills
  • Mobile application analysis
  • Frida
  • Binary analysis (disassembly skills)

Skills:

  • Advisory
  • Innovative Thinking
  • Technical Documentation
  • Technology System Assessment
  • Threat Analysis
  • Adaptability
  • Collaboration
  • Executive Presence
  • Scenario Planning and Analysis
  • Test Engineering
  • Controls Management
  • Information Systems Management
  • Issue Management
  • Mentoring
  • Presentation Skills

This job will be open and accepting applications for a minimum of seven days from the date it was posted.

Shift:

1st shift (United States of America)

Hours Per Week:

40

Pay Transparency details

US - CO - Denver - 1144 15th St - Denver Gis (CO9926), US - DC - Washington - 1800 K St NW - 1800 K Street NW (DC1842), US - IL - Chicago - 540 W Madison St - Bank Of America Plaza (IL4540), US - NJ - Jersey City - 101 Hudson St - 101 Hudson (NJ2101), US - WA - Seattle - 401 Union St - Rainier Square (WA1510)Pay and benefits informationPay range$117,000.00 - $147,700.00 annualized salary, offers to be determined based on experience, education and skill set.Discretionary incentive eligibleThis role is eligible to participate in the annual discretionary plan. Employees are eligible for an annual discretionary award based on their overall individual performance results and behaviors, the performance and contributions of their line of business and/or group; and the overall success of the Company.BenefitsThis role is currently benefits eligible. We provide industry-leading benefits, access to paid time off, resources and support to our employees so they can make a genuine impact and contribute to the sustainable growth of our business and the communities we serve.

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About Bank Of America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Bank of America, we are guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better through the power of every connection. Responsible Growth is how we run our company and how we deliver for our clients, teammates, communities and shareholders every day. One of the keys to driving Responsible Growth is being a great place to work for our teammates around the world. We're devoted to being a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. We hire individuals with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences and invest heavily in our teammates and their families by offering competitive benefits to support their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

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