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Professional Hacker Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Cybersecurity Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

CHFI - Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator * Cloud+ AND * Computing Environment: Certified in ... CCNP Security - Cisco Certified Network Professional Security * CISA - Certified Information ...

CHFI - Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator * Cloud+ AND * Computing Environment: Certified in ... CCNP Security - Cisco Certified Network Professional Security * CISA - Certified Information ...

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent professional experience ... Active participation in Capture the Flag (CTF) and/or software hacking competitions Salary Range ...

Network Technician Tier 2

Columbus, OH

$22.75 - $29.25/hr

Certified Ethical Hacker * VMware Certified Professional (VCP) * Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) * Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) * Associate in computer science or comparable experience ...

Network Technician Tier 2

Columbus, OH · On-site

$22.75 - $29.25/hr

Certified Ethical Hacker * VMware Certified Professional (VCP) * Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) * Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) * Associate in computer science or comparable experience ...

Network Technician Tier 2

Columbus, OH · On-site

$22.75 - $29.25/hr

Certified Ethical Hacker * VMware Certified Professional (VCP) * Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) * Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) * Associate in computer science or comparable experience ...

Network Technician Tier 2

Columbus, OH

$22.75 - $29.25/hr

Certified Ethical Hacker * VMware Certified Professional (VCP) * Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) * Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) * Associate in computer science or comparable experience ...

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) * Additional cybersecurity certifications such as Security+, CISSP ... Professional development and certification support. * Flexible work options depending on role ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Hacker information

See Ohio salary details

$8

$29

$66

How much do professional hacker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional hacker in Ohio is $29.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $41.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professional Hacker vs Ethical Hacker?

AspectProfessional HackerEthical Hacker
CredentialsOften includes certifications like CEH, OSCP, CISSPTypically holds certifications such as CEH, OSCP, or CISSP
Work EnvironmentWorks in both malicious and authorized security testing contextsOperates with permission to identify security vulnerabilities
Employer & Industry UsageHired by organizations or malicious actorsEmployed by companies or as independent consultants
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, skills, and certificationsDistinguishing ethical practices from malicious hacking

While both Professional Hackers and Ethical Hackers possess similar skills and certifications, their intentions and work environments differ. Professional Hackers may operate with malicious intent or in gray areas, whereas Ethical Hackers are authorized to test security systems legally. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and industry roles.

What is a professional hacker?

Professional hackers, often referred to as ethical hackers or penetration testers, are cybersecurity experts who are hired to identify and fix vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. Unlike malicious hackers, professional hackers use their skills legally and ethically to help organizations improve their security. They simulate cyberattacks to find weaknesses before real attackers can exploit them, and then provide recommendations for strengthening defenses. This work is essential for protecting sensitive data and maintaining trust in digital systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional hacker?

To thrive as a Professional Hacker, you need expertise in network security, penetration testing, and a solid understanding of operating systems and programming, often supported by certifications like CEH or OSCP. Proficiency with tools such as Metasploit, Wireshark, Burp Suite, and common scripting languages is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical judgment are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are critical for identifying vulnerabilities, securing systems, and maintaining trust in cybersecurity environments.

How much do professional hackers make?

Professional hackers, often working as cybersecurity specialists or penetration testers, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Highly skilled or specialized professionals with advanced certifications like CEH or OSCP can earn higher salaries, especially in cybersecurity firms or large organizations.

What are some typical challenges faced by professional hackers when conducting penetration tests for clients?

Professional hackers, often known as ethical hackers or penetration testers, commonly encounter challenges such as limited access to information, strict time constraints, and the need to stay updated on rapidly evolving security threats. They must balance thoroughness with efficiency, ensuring they identify critical vulnerabilities without disrupting the client's systems. Clear communication with clients and IT teams is essential to define the scope of work and report findings effectively, making collaboration skills just as crucial as technical expertise.

How do you become a professional hacker?

To become a professional hacker, you should develop strong knowledge of computer systems, networks, and security principles, often through self-study, formal education, or certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Gaining practical experience through labs, internships, or bug bounty programs is also essential, along with staying updated on cybersecurity trends and tools.
What job categories do people searching Professional Hacker jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Hacker jobs in Ohio are:
Infographic showing various Professional Hacker job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,277 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Cybersecurity Engineer

TekSynap

Columbus, OH • On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


TekSynap rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities & Qualifications
We are seeking a Cybersecurity Engineer to join our Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Team.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant IT experience, with demonstrated work in cybersecurity or information assurance engineering.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting government agencies, customers, or contracts within federal environments. This includes the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Civil agencies, and military organizations. Prior experience supporting the same or similar contract, with an in-depth understanding of the customer environment, requirements, and operational landscape, is highly desirable.

Certifications
  • DoD 8570/8140 CND-IS certification
    • CEH - Certified Ethical Hacker
    • CFR - CyberSec First Responder
    • CHFI - Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator
    • Cloud+

AND
  • Computing Environment: Certified in Microsoft Windows Server 2016 or 2019

AND
  • RSA Archer Certified Administrator

AND
  • DoD Approved 8570 Baseline Certification: Category IAT Level III
    • CASP+ CE - CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CE)
    • CCNP Security - Cisco Certified Network Professional Security
    • CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor
    • CISSP (or Associate) - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
    • GCED - GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender
    • GCIH - GIAC Certified Incident Handler
    • CCSP - Certified Cloud Security Professional

Clearance
  • Must possess a Top Secret clearance with a favorable NACLC and be eligible for an IT-I (Tier 5/SSBI) Critical-Sensitive clearance.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform a variety of technical and analytical project tasks related to specialized Information Assurance (IA) and cybersecurity requirements.
  • Integrate electronic processes and methodologies to identify, analyze, and resolve system-level and technology-based IA challenges.
  • Analyze and interpret information security requirements to ensure compliance with DoD and organizational cybersecurity policies and standards.
  • Apply systematic and analytical approaches to improve workflow, organizational structures, and planning related to cybersecurity operations.
  • Provide security engineering support throughout the system lifecycle, including planning, design, development, testing, demonstration, and integration of information systems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure implementation of network and system architectures.
  • Recommend and implement security measures and controls to protect information systems from unauthorized access or misuse.
  • Support continuous monitoring and risk management processes to maintain secure system configurations.

Overview
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Locations: Land and Maritime, Columbus OH or DLA Aviation Richmond VA
  • Type of environment: Office
  • Noise level: Medium
  • Work schedule: Schedule is day shift Monday - Friday. May be requested to work evenings and weekends to meet program and contract needs.
  • Amount of Travel: Less than 10%

WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE
U.S. Citizen
Top Secret Clearance
WAGE INFORMATION
Target salary range: $160,000 - $220,000. The salary range displayed is an estimate and will be determined on several factors regarding the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies and experience, as well as contract parameters and organizational requirements. The displayed salary is one component of the total compensation package for employees.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle, feel, touch; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is regularly required to lift up to 10 pounds. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 25 pounds; and up to 50 pounds. The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
OTHER INFORMATION
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice
Additional Job Information
TekSynap is a fast growing high-tech company that understands both the pace of technology today and the need to have a comprehensive well planned information management environment. "Technology moving at the speed of thought" embodies these principles - the need to nimbly utilize the best that information technology offers to meet the business needs of our Federal Government customers. Apply now to explore jobs with us at www.TekSynap.com.
We offer our full-time employees a competitive benefits package to include health, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability plans, vacation time and holidays.
TekSynap is a drug-free workplace. We reserve the right to conduct drug testing in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. All employees and candidates may be subject to drug screening if deemed necessary to ensure a safe and compliant working environment.
By applying to a role at TekSynap you are providing consent to receive text messages regarding your interview and employment status. If at any time you would like to opt out of text messaging, respond "STOP". As part of the application process, you agree that TekSynap Corporation may retain and use your name, e-mail, and contact information for purposes related to employment consideration.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. TekSynap does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law (referred to as "protected status"). This nondiscrimination policy extends to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as well as the use of all company facilities, participation in all company-sponsored activities, and all employment actions such as promotions, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment. TekSynap is committed to ensuring that our online application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an application, please contact hr@teksynap.com for assistance.

What TekSynap employees say

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