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Penetration Tester Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

M9 Solutions

Penetration Tester II

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$60K - $180K/yr

M9 Solutions is seeking a Penetration Tester II to work on-site in support of a government contract for a client located in Chandler, AZ or Washington, DC . An active Secret clearance is required.

Peraton

Penetration Tester / Secret

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking to hire an experienced Penetration Tester for its ... and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester / Secret

Washington, DC

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking to hire an experienced Penetration Tester for its ... and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester / Secret

Chandler, AZ

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking to hire an experienced Penetration Tester for its ... and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester / Secret

Chandler, AZ

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking to hire an experienced Penetration Tester for its ... and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime ...

Peraton

Jr. Cyber Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$66K - $106K/yr

Support the Penetration Testing (Red Cell) Team. * Assess the current state of the customer ... and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime ...

Peraton

Jr. Cyber Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$66K - $106K/yr

Support the Penetration Testing (Red Cell) Team. * Assess the current state of the customer ... and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime ...

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Penetration Tester Contract information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do penetration tester contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration tester contract 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Penetration Tester Contract jobs
What cities are hiring for Penetration Tester Contract jobs? Cities with the most Penetration Tester Contract job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Tester jobs? The most popular types of Penetration Tester jobs are:
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Penetration Tester Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Penetration Tester Contract job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Tester II

M9 Solutions

Chandler, AZ • On-site

$60K - $180K/yr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

M9 Solutions is dedicated to providing IT services and solutions to the Federal Government by mobilizing the right people, skills, clearance levels, and technologies to help organizations that desire improved performance and modern, sustainable change. M9 has provided quality IT services and support to more than 30 Federal Agencies and multiple commercial customers nationwide. Our capabilities include IT Talent Solutions, Data Delivery & Analytics, Cyber Security, Cloud Migration, Applications and Infrastructure, Software Development, and Finance & Accounting.
M9 Solutions is seeking a Penetration Tester II to work on-site in support of a government contract for a client located in Chandler, AZ or Washington, DC. An active Secret clearance is required.
Required Skills and Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • At least three (3) years of pen test experience.
  • Experience with continuous penetration testing methodologies.
  • Experience with planning and conducting Red Team engagements.
  • Experience with IoT device penetration testing methodologies.
  • Experience with Mobile Device Application penetration testing.
  • Experience with Federal and Commercial Cloud technology penetration testing.
  • Experience conducting High Value Asset Assessments.
  • Knowledge of Red, Blue, and Purple Team assessment processes.
  • Knowledge of MITRE ATT&CK frameworks.
  • Experience with OSSTMM, OWASP, NIST, PTES, and ISSAF methodologies.
  • Experience with a variety of toolsets for gathering information and conducting comprehensive penetration tests.
  • Must have at least a GPEN or GXPN certification in addition to one of the following certifications: GRTP, CRTL, OSCP, CRTP, CMWAPT, CEPT, CPT, LPT.
  • Must have or be able to obtain CISA AES HVA Assessment Lead or Technical Lead certification.
  • Secret Clearance (active).

Full-Time Employee Compensation
  • M9 Solutions' pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the position, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, as well as internal equity, location, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
  • M9 Benefits -

Salary Range
$60,000 - $180,000 USD
M9 Solutions, LLC (M9) is a Federal sub-contractor and we comply with all applicable federal laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We also adhere to the affirmative action requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring equal opportunity for veterans and individuals with disabilities. Please click to complete M9's Voluntary Self-Identification Form and then email it to . If you need accommodation during the application process or encounter difficulties using our website, please contact our Human Resources Department at or
M9 Solutions is a proud participant in the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program and supports the Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) initiative, demonstrating our commitment to hiring and supporting veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and dependents.
With 15+ years of proven delivery and growth, M9 Solutions is a unique small business with credible past performance and key capabilities offering project management services, solution architects, business analysts, program managers, technical architects, and technical consultants. M9 was recognized as an Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2012. M9 Solutions believes that work should be fun, rewarding, and something everyone can be excited about. We offer a competitive compensation package and value diverse perspectives in driving the vision of the company.

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