For informational purposes only. Not financial or career advice. Rates vary by experience and market.
Freelance Cybersecurity Consultant Rates in Washington DC
Data-driven rate insights to help you price your services confidently.
Entry Level
$125
/hour
Mid-Range
$200
/hour
Expert Level
$350
/hour
Annual Equivalent (40hrs/week)
Entry
$260,000
Mid
$416,000
Expert
$728,000
Based on 2,080 billable hours/year (actual may be 1,500-1,800 after admin, marketing, and time off)
Rates by Experience Level
Core Skills
- Security architecture
- Penetration testing
- Vulnerability assessment
- Incident response
- Compliance frameworks (NIST, FedRAMP)
- Risk assessment
- Security operations
Premium Skills (+20-50%)
- Government security clearance
- Cloud security (AWS/Azure)
- Zero trust architecture
- CMMC compliance
- OT/ICS security
Top Industries
Typical Clients
Rate Setting Tips
These are general suggestions, not professional advice. Your situation may differ.
- Security clearance (Secret, Top Secret) commands 30-50% premium
- FedRAMP and CMMC expertise is highly valued
- Government rates are set but contractor rates are negotiable
- Defense work often requires on-site presence
- Build relationships with prime contractors for subcontract work
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Not maintaining active security clearance
- Underpricing specialized compliance work
- Accepting roles requiring clearances you don't have
- Not accounting for lengthy government procurement cycles
Negotiation Tips
- Highlight clearance level and relevant certifications
- Reference GSA schedule rates as benchmarks
- Emphasize government-specific compliance experience
- Build relationships with prime contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
What do freelance cybersecurity consultants charge in DC?
Freelance cybersecurity consultants in DC charge $125-350/hr. Mid-level consultants average $200/hr, with cleared senior specialists earning $275-350/hr.
Does a security clearance affect cybersecurity rates?
Yes, active security clearances (Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI) command 30-50% premiums. Many DC contracts require clearances.
What certifications are most valued in DC?
CISSP, CISM, and OSCP are foundational. FedRAMP, CMMC, and cloud security certifications (AWS Security Specialty) add significant value for government work.
How do I work with federal agencies as a freelancer?
Most federal work flows through prime contractors (Booz Allen, Deloitte, etc.). Build relationships with primes to get subcontract work. Direct federal contracts are rare for individuals.
Is remote work possible for DC cybersecurity consultants?
Partially. Unclassified work can often be remote. Classified work and sensitive assessments typically require on-site presence at cleared facilities.
Methodology
Rates compiled from contractor data, GSA schedules, and industry surveys. DC's federal concentration creates unique rate premiums.
Data Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024
- CyberSeek Industry Data 2025
- GSA Schedule Pricing 2024
- Washington Technology Salary Guide
Important Disclaimer
These rates are estimates for educational purposes. Actual rates vary based on experience, skills, clearance level, and negotiation. This is not financial advice.
Rate estimates are not guarantees. Actual rates depend on your specific experience, portfolio, negotiation skills, client budget, and market conditions.
This is not financial or career advice. Consult with a financial advisor or career counselor for personalized guidance on pricing and business decisions.
Data limitations: Freelance rates are notoriously difficult to benchmark accurately. Our data is compiled from multiple sources but may not reflect your specific market segment.
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