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Penetration Tester Contract Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Penetration Tester Contract information

See Indiana salary details

$21.4K

$114.1K

$160.3K

How much do penetration tester contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration tester contract in Indiana is $114,087.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,400.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a penetration tester contract?

A Penetration Tester Contract is a temporary or project-based agreement where a cybersecurity professional is hired to simulate cyberattacks on an organization’s systems, networks, or applications. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities and security weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. Contractors typically deliver detailed reports on their findings and recommend remediation steps. These contracts can vary in length and scope depending on the organization's needs and the complexity of the systems being tested.

What does a penetration tester contract do?

A contract penetration tester assesses the effectiveness of security for a computer network, website, software, or application. You perform your duties on a contract basis and work with various clients. A penetration tester finds, defines, and tries to exploit a vulnerability in their client’s cybersecurity system. In this career, your responsibilities not only include hacking into your client’s network or system, but also reporting on the potential vulnerability and helping the client improve their practices so that they can protect themselves against such a cyber threat when an actual hacker tries to penetrate their defenses.

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

To thrive as a Penetration Tester Contractor, you need a strong understanding of network security, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking, typically backed by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity and relevant certifications like OSCP or CEH. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as experience with various operating systems, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective client communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate identification of security gaps and clear reporting, helping organizations effectively strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

What are some common challenges faced by penetration testers working on a contract basis?

Contract penetration testers often encounter challenges such as limited access to internal information, the need to quickly understand a client's environment, and tight project deadlines. They must adapt rapidly to different security policies and toolsets with each new engagement, while maintaining clear communication with diverse client teams. Building trust and delivering concise, actionable reports within the contract timeframe are essential for success and future opportunities.

What is the difference between Penetration Tester Contract vs Penetration Tester Full-Time?

AspectPenetration Tester ContractPenetration Tester Full-Time
CredentialsCertifications like OSCP, CEH often requiredSame certifications typically required
Work EnvironmentProject-based, temporary assignmentsPermanent employment, ongoing projects
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, cybersecurity agenciesIn-house security teams, corporations
Search & Comparison IntentFreelance opportunities, short-term rolesLong-term career, stability

In summary, Penetration Tester Contract roles are project-based and often involve short-term assignments with consulting firms, while Penetration Tester Full-Time positions offer permanent employment within organizations. Both roles typically require similar certifications and skills, but differ mainly in employment type and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Tester jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Penetration Tester jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Penetration Tester Contract jobs in Indiana?

For Penetration Tester Contract jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Penetration Tester Contract jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Penetration Tester Contract jobs in Indiana are:

Infographic showing various Penetration Tester Contract job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 35% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 62% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,087 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Cybersecurity Instructor (Ethical Hacking, SOC, Web Pentesting, AI Security)

Educate 360 LLC

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description:

Classification: Contract

Location: Remote (Live Online or In-Person Training)

Contract Type: Part-time / Per-Course


About Educate 360

Educate 360 is a family of specialized brands with a joint mission: to help individuals and organizations gain the skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-led and innovative-driven economy. Educate 360 develops integrated solutions across brands to achieve enterprise customers’ learning & development goals in Management & Leadership, Data Science, and IT skills. With locations across the U.S. and Europe, we have brought our instructor-led and on-demand training, coaching, and consulting to numerous individuals and organizations.


Role Summary

We are seeking experienced several contract instructors to deliver live, online training for TCM Security courses. These classes emphasize applied learning through labs, real scenarios, and interactive instruction, helping students build confidence and job ready capabilities in ethical hacking, penetration testing, security operations, and emerging areas like AI security. TCM Security

We are looking for experienced contract instructors to teach one or more of the following cybersecurity live training courses:

  • Ethical Hacker Bootcamp
  • Web Penetration Testing
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Level 1
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Level 2
  • AI Hacking 101

Instructors may specialize in one area or multiple topics. Instructors do not need to be able to teach all courses and can contract to teach just one of the courses provided below. Each course is instructor-led, interactive, and designed to give students practical skills they can use immediately in cybersecurity roles. TCM Certification


What You’ll Teach

Ethical Hacker Bootcamp A multi-day bootcamp covering:

  • Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and reconnaissance.
  • Active Directory exploitation and defense.
  • Web application hacking basics.
  • Hands-on practical penetration testing skills and professional reporting. TCM Certification

Web Penetration Testing

Four days of live training that takes students from beginner to confident web application pentester, including vulnerability discovery and exploitation, with real-world labs and guided exercises. TCM Certification


SOC Level 1

Foundational security operations training focused on defensive monitoring, detection, incident analysis, and response. Prepares students for Tier 1 roles and certification exams. TCM Certification


SOC Level 2

More advanced defensive security skills, including threat hunting, complex incident investigation, SIEM analysis, and defensive tool workflows. TCM Certification


AI Hacking 101

An emerging topic that focuses on vulnerabilities in AI and large language models used in applications, and how attackers can exploit these weaknesses. TCM Certification


Main Responsibilities

  • Deliver engaging, interactive live training sessions
  • Build and lead hands-on labs and exercises
  • Provide clear explanations of complex security concepts
  • Support students’ learning with feedback and Q&A
  • Align lessons to certification goals and industry expectations
  • Participate in pre-class planning and post-session debrief
  • Collaborate with curriculum developers on updates

Must be US-based

Requirements:
  • Minimum 3+ years of professional experience in cybersecurity
  • Proven expertise in at least one of the following areas:

o Ethical hacking and penetration testing

o Web application security

o Security operations and SOC analysis

o Defensive security monitoring and incident response

o AI security or adversarial machine learning

  • Practical experience with common tools (OSINT toolkits, SIEM platforms, vulnerability scanners, exploitation frameworks)
  • Experience teaching or mentoring in professional or academic settings
  • Strong communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts clearly
  • Hands-on lab experience, including guiding students through real scenarios
  • Relevant industry certifications are a plus (e.g., OSCP, PNPT, PJPT, PSAA, GIAC)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience teaching live cybersecurity bootcamps or workshops
  • Experience preparing students for certifications

Compensation/Schedule

  • Competitive hourly or per-session pay
  • Flexible schedule with remote teaching assignments
  • Opportunity for ongoing work with future cohorts


Why Educate 360?

We believe that great ideas emerge when people collaborate in an environment where thoughts and perspectives can be freely shared. Effective teamwork happens when every member feels empowered, valued, and respected. We are committed to fostering a culture where everyone is accepted, included, and encouraged to contribute in meaningful ways.


Equal Opportunity Employer: Educate 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or veteran status.