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Penetration Testing Freelance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cobalt

Cobalt Core Pentester - US Remote-Only

Perform manual penetration testing of web applications, APIs, internal and external networks, iOS ... Please note that this is a freelance, part-time position available only to Pentesters residing ...

Alice

Freelancer - AI Red Team Experts

New York, NY · Remote

At Least 5 years of experience in Web Penetration testing. * Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. * Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Nice-to ...

Alice

Freelancer - AI Red Team Experts

New York, NY · On-site +1

At Least 5 years of experience in Web Penetration testing. * Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. * Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Nice-to ...

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Penetration Testing Freelance information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do penetration testing freelance jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration testing freelance 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.

Is there a demand for penetration testing freelance?

There is strong demand for freelance penetration testers due to increasing cybersecurity threats and the need for organizations to identify vulnerabilities. Freelancers with skills in ethical hacking, security assessments, and familiarity with tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit are sought after, especially those with relevant certifications such as OSCP or CEH.

What is a freelance penetration tester?

A freelance penetration tester is an independent cybersecurity professional who is hired on a contract basis to assess the security of computer systems, networks, or applications. Their main job is to simulate cyberattacks in order to identify and report vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. Freelance penetration testers work with various clients, often juggling multiple projects, and may specialize in different types of security assessments. They must keep up with the latest threats and tools in the cybersecurity field to provide effective services. Many freelancers also help organizations improve their security posture by offering recommendations and remediation guidance.

How much do penetration testing freelancers make?

Penetration testing freelancers typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and project complexity. Many also charge project-based fees, with annual incomes ranging from $70,000 to over $150,000 for experienced professionals working independently or through agencies.

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

Freelance penetration testers often encounter challenges such as establishing clear communication channels and defining the scope of testing with new clients. It can also be difficult to gain access to necessary systems and documentation, especially if the client's security or IT policies are restrictive. Additionally, freelancers must build trust quickly, as clients may be concerned about data confidentiality and professionalism. Being prepared with strong contracts, clear methodologies, and references can help ease these concerns and ensure smoother engagements.

What is the difference between Penetration Testing Freelance vs Penetration Tester?

AspectPenetration Testing FreelancePenetration Tester
CredentialsCertifications like OSCP, CEH often preferredSame certifications typically required
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or on-site projects for various clientsEmployed by companies or consulting firms, or freelance
Employer & Industry UsageSelf-employed or contracted for multiple clients in cybersecurityIn-house or external cybersecurity teams in various industries
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance opportunities or gig work in penetration testingSeeking employment or freelance roles in penetration testing

In summary, Penetration Testing Freelance involves independent, client-based work often requiring similar certifications as Penetration Testers, but with a focus on self-employment and flexible projects. Penetration Testers may work in-house or freelance, with similar skill requirements, but their employment context differs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a penetration testing freelancer?

To succeed as a Penetration Testing Freelancer, you need a deep understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals, vulnerability assessment, and exploit development, often supported by certifications like OSCP or CEH. Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Kali Linux is essential for identifying and exploiting security weaknesses. Strong analytical thinking, self-motivation, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for managing projects independently and conveying findings to clients. These capabilities ensure the delivery of high-quality security assessments that protect clients' systems and data from real-world threats.
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Penetration Testing Freelance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Penetration Testing Freelance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Cybersecurity Engineer

SquadMakers - QrowdMakers - endorseek

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Squadmakers is a leading technology staffing and consulting firm based in New York City. We specialize in providing top-quality professionals to our clients in various industries including finance, healthcare, and technology. We are committed to delivering innovative and efficient solutions to our clients' business needs.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Cybersecurity & Penetration Testing Specialist to ensure the security and resilience of our infrastructure and the solutions deployed for our clients. This role focuses on proactively identifying vulnerabilities, performing security assessments, and ensuring compliance with international data protection regulations.

Key Responsibilities: Infrastructure Security

Assess and secure customer's cloud infrastructure and platform environments.

Identify security risks in infrastructure architecture and propose remediation strategies.

Ensure systems are resilient against cyberattacks, unauthorized access, and service disruption.

Penetration Testing & Security Assessments

Perform regular penetration tests on internal systems, cloud environments, and client-facing applications.

Conduct vulnerability assessments and security audits.

Application Security Analysis

Analyze the security of web and API-based applications.

Identify vulnerabilities such as those defined in the OWASP Top 10.

Work with development teams to remediate security issues and improve secure coding practices.

Threat Prevention & System Resilience

Evaluate system defenses against hacking attempts, intrusion attacks, and exploitation techniques.

Recommend security improvements to increase platform resilience and incident response readiness.

Support the implementation of monitoring and detection mechanisms.

Compliance & Data Protection

Ensure compliance with GDPR and international data protection regulations.

Verify that ApolloV2 systems and client solutions comply with European and US security and privacy standards.

Conduct security reviews of systems handling sensitive athlete and medical data.

Security Documentation & Reporting

Produce detailed reports from penetration tests and vulnerability analyses.

Maintain documentation on security practices, controls, and remediation processes.

Provide security recommendations to technical and management teams.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in a cybersecurity role
  • Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, protocols, and technologies
  • Experience with network and system security, intrusion detection, and vulnerability management
  • Familiarity with industry compliance standards such as HIPAA, PCI, and GDPR
  • Certifications such as OSCP, CEH, CISSP, or similar
  • Experience performing red team / ethical hacking engagements
  • Background in securing SaaS platforms
  • Experience working with high-sensitivity data environments
Security Expertise

Penetration testing methodologies

Vulnerability assessment and risk analysis

Web application and API security

Network security fundamentals

Security architecture and infrastructure hardening

Security Standards & Frameworks

Experience working with or auditing against:

GDPR

SOC 2

ISO 27001

Data protection and privacy frameworks in the EU and US

Tools & Technologies

Experience with tools such as:

Penetration testing tools (Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap, OWASP ZAP)

Vulnerability scanners (Nessus, Qualys)

Network monitoring and logging tools

Security testing frameworks

Experience securing environments in:

AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud

Containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes) is a plus

Programming / Technical Skills

Scripting or automation in Python, Bash, or similar

Ability to analyze and understand application codebases and system architecture

- Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CEH are a plus

Location:

This is a freelance position based in remote, working with some of our customers (Europe and US).

This is a freelance position with the potential for long-term contract opportunities. The rate will be competitive and based on experience and qualifications.

If you are a dedicated and experienced Cybersecurity Engineer looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to apply to join our team at Squadmakers. We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer.

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