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Professional Hacker Salary Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$110 - $170/hr

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Ethical Hacker, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Consultant, Red Team ... Excellent Salaries * Flexible Work Schedule * Cafeteria Style Benefits * 10% - 401k Matching ...

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Ethical Hacker, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Consultant, Red Team ... Excellent Salaries * Flexible Work Schedule * Cafeteria Style Benefits * 10% - 401k Matching ...

Penetration Tester

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Ethical Hacker, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Consultant, Red Team ... Excellent Salaries * Flexible Work Schedule * Cafeteria Style Benefits * 10% - 401k Matching ...

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Ethical Hacker, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Consultant, Red Team ... Excellent Salaries * Flexible Work Schedule * Cafeteria Style Benefits * 10% - 401k Matching ...

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Ethical Hacker, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Consultant, Red Team ... Excellent Salaries * Flexible Work Schedule * Cafeteria Style Benefits * 10% - 401k Matching ...

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$86.80 - $198/hr

Certified Ethical Hacker ( CEH ) , Offensive Security Certified Professional ( OSCP ) , HTB ... Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the ...

ISSO

Dulles, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... hacking attempts, or insider threats. Requirements: * Education: Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) or ... Competitive salary ($100,000 - $130,000) * Health, dental, and vision insurance * 401k plan * Paid ...

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Professional Hacker Salary information

What is the average salary of a professional hacker?

The average salary of a professional hacker, often referred to as an ethical hacker or penetration tester, varies based on experience, location, and industry. In the United States, entry-level ethical hackers typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 per year, while experienced professionals can make upwards of $120,000 or more annually. Those working for large corporations or in specialized industries may earn even higher salaries. Additionally, freelance or bug bounty hunters can earn varying amounts depending on the scope and success of their work.

What are some typical challenges a professional hacker (ethical hacker) faces when working with organizations?

Professional hackers, also known as ethical hackers or penetration testers, often encounter challenges such as navigating complex network environments with limited documentation, dealing with time constraints to complete assessments, and communicating technical findings to non-technical stakeholders. Additionally, they must stay up-to-date with rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats and tools to provide effective security recommendations. Building trust with clients and demonstrating the value of proactive security testing are also important aspects of the role.

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

To thrive as a Professional Hacker (Ethical Hacker), you need strong knowledge of network security, operating systems, programming, and typically hold certifications such as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or OSCP. Familiarity with penetration testing tools like Metasploit, Wireshark, and Burp Suite is crucial for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong ethical judgment are standout soft skills in this field. These skills are vital to effectively protect organizations from cyber threats and ensure robust information security.

What is the difference between Professional Hacker Salary vs Ethical Hacker Salary?

AspectProfessional HackerEthical Hacker
CertificationsVaries, often includes certifications like CEH, OSCPTypically requires CEH, OSCP, CISSP
Work EnvironmentUnderground or black-hat activities (illegal), or gray areasLegal, corporate, or government cybersecurity teams
Employer & IndustryCybercriminal groups, private firms, or freelanceOrganizations, security firms, government agencies

While both roles involve hacking skills, a Professional Hacker often refers to individuals engaged in illegal activities, whereas an Ethical Hacker works legally to improve security. Salary differences are significant, with Ethical Hackers typically earning higher due to legal and professional standards.

What are popular job titles related to Professional Hacker Salary jobs in Reston, VA?

For Professional Hacker Salary jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Professional Hacker Salary jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Hacker Salary jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Professional Hacker Salary jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Professional Hacker Salary job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Hacker Salary job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Security Software Engineer - Red Team Penetra with Security Clearance

Imagine One Technology & Management Ltd

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

This position requires U.S. citizenship and an active U.S. DoD clearance . Candidates who are not U.S. citizens are not eligible for this role. Imagine One Technology & Management, Ltd. is seeking one (1) Security Software Engineer. This position is contingent upon award of the associated work and will be performed in Dahlgren, Virginia. The Security Software Engineer will be expected to: * Debug and reverse engineer software. * Analyze Windows Events and Linux syslog's, boot logs and dmesg logs. * Program and debug Web 2.0, Java, Perl, Ada, C++, Tool Command Language (tcl/tk) scripts and graphical user interfaces (GUis) using Microsoft Visual tel and Rational ClearCase for software configuration management. * Recommend software modifications to systems to mitigate known vulnerabilities. * Operate and administrate computer systems running HP-UX, UNIX, Solaris, Linux and Microsoft Windows. * Identify security flaws in compiled and human readable source code. * Understand code utilizing real-time VxWorks and Lynx OS operating systems, Common Object Resource Broker Architecture (CORBA), firewalls and networking protocols. * Understand how to implement NSA approved encryption technologies and devices. * Apply DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
* Apply virtual hosting and server technology in system architectures. * Understand and apply the concept of deceptive technology such as honey pots in system architectures. * Participate in Code Reviews. Perform Static Source Code Analysis. Author recommendations for improving software and code design. * Contribute to a System Security Administrator and Operators Manual (SSAOM). Desired Experience: * Five (5) years of experience in software engineering applied to program development; modeling and simulation applied to DoD or Information Technology systems.
* Five (5) Years experience in: * Linux - firm grasp/demonstrated knowledge
* Associated Training: COMPTIA Linux+ or FedVTE Linux+ * Five (5) Years experience in: * Windows - foundational knowledge with good understanding of enterprise networks
* Associated Training: Microsoft course (MCSA; Various) * Strong working knowledge of common Penetration Testing (PENTEST) tools: * Kali, Metasploit, NMAP, Cobalt Strike * Associated Training: Certified Ethical Hacker or Offensive Security Certified Professional and;
* Documented experience in at least one of the following: * Penetration Testing (PENTEST) (government or contractor)
* Red Team Operations (government or contractor)
* Tool/Software Development (exploits/malware, C2, reverse engineering, bug bounties)
* Python, C, C Sharp, C++, Go, Perl, Powershell
* Web Dev/Web App Dev/Web Penetration testing * PHP, ASP, SQL db's, Java, HTML, No SQL [VW1] Educational Requirements: * Minimum certification as IAT Level II per DoD 8570.01, or successor.
* Minimum certification as penetration tester and possess one of the following certificates: * Offensive Security Certs: Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE), Offensive Security Exploitation Expert (OSEE), Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
* SANS Certs: SEC560 - Network Penetration testing and Ethical Hacking (GPEN Certification), SEC542 - Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking (GWAPT Certification), SEC660 - Advance Penetration Testing. Exploit Writing, and Ethical Hacking (GXPN Certification), SEC642 - Advanced Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking, SEC564 - Red Team Operations and Threat Emulation
* OSD Sponsored Cyber Operation Academy Course (COAC) graduates. * Bachelor's degree desired Security Requirements: * Active DoD Top Secret clearance required Imagine One Technology & Management, Ltd., offers a full package of benefits and competitive salary, excellent group medical, vision, and dental programs. 401K savings plan; $4K annual tuition reimbursement ($5K if pursuing master's degree); employee training, development, and education programs; profit sharing; advancement opportunities; and much more! ISO 9001:2015, ISO 20000-1:2018, ISO 27001:2013 CMMI Development and Services - Maturity Level 3 An Employee-Owned Business EEO/Veterans/Disabled