Malware Analyst Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Malware Analyst salary lies between USD 112,000 and USD 179,000 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 15, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Malware Analyst roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Malware Analyst job listings are Malware, Windows and Linux. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Malware | 15 jobs Windows | 11 jobs Linux | 10 jobs Reverse engineering | 10 jobs C | 9 jobs Python | 9 jobs DoDD 8570 | 7 jobs Clearance | 7 jobs Exploit | 7 jobs DoD | 7 jobs OllyDbg | 7 jobs Threat intelligence | 6 jobs Incident response | 6 jobs TS/SCI | 6 jobs GIAC | 5 jobs UNIX | 5 jobs Privacy | 5 jobs MITRE ATT&CK | 5 jobs SOC | 5 jobs DCO | 5 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Malware Analyst roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Malware Analyst job listings are Health care, Career development and Flex vacation. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Health care | 5 jobs Career development | 4 jobs Flex vacation | 3 jobs Flex hours | 2 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Equity / stock options | 1 jobs Startup environment | 1 jobs Competitive pay | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Insurance | 1 jobs Fertility benefits | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Malware Analyst

The salary for a Malware Analyst in the United States typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and the specific industry. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to smaller firms or government positions. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. The region also plays a crucial role; for example, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher salaries to offset the higher cost of living.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from a Malware Analyst position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Senior Malware Analyst, Threat Intelligence Analyst, or Security Architect. Gaining expertise in niche areas like reverse engineering or threat hunting can also make you more valuable. Additionally, obtaining advanced certifications, pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity, or gaining experience in high-demand sectors like finance or healthcare can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open doors to higher-paying positions.

Educational Requirements

Most Malware Analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers might accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, but having formal education can provide a solid foundation in the necessary technical skills. Advanced positions might require a master's degree or specialized training in cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications as a Malware Analyst. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and provide specialized knowledge that can be crucial for career advancement.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field for a Malware Analyst role. Experience in roles such as a security analyst, network administrator, or software developer can be beneficial. Hands-on experience with malware analysis tools, reverse engineering, and threat detection is often required.

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