Malware Reverse Engineer Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Malware Reverse Engineer salary lies between USD 112,000 and USD 179,000 globally. 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.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Malware Reverse Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Malware Reverse Engineer job listings are Malware, Reverse engineering and Python. 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 | 19 jobs Reverse engineering | 19 jobs Python | 14 jobs OllyDbg | 14 jobs Scripting | 12 jobs Computer Science | 12 jobs Clearance | 11 jobs Vulnerabilities | 10 jobs Perl | 10 jobs Ruby | 10 jobs GREM | 10 jobs Ghidra | 10 jobs Linux | 9 jobs Incident response | 8 jobs C | 8 jobs WinDbg | 8 jobs Windows | 7 jobs Top Secret | 7 jobs PowerShell | 7 jobs Exploit | 7 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Malware Reverse Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Malware Reverse Engineer job listings are Health care, Salary bonus and 401(k) matching. 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 | 14 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Team events | 6 jobs Equity / stock options | 3 jobs Career development | 2 jobs Startup environment | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Competitive pay | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Malware Reverse Engineer

The salary for a Malware Reverse Engineer typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the largest component and can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher base salaries compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. In terms of industry, financial services and tech companies tend to offer more lucrative compensation packages. Larger companies may provide more comprehensive benefits and bonuses, while smaller firms might offer equity or stock options as part of the compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Malware Reverse Engineer, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity. Gaining expertise in niche areas such as threat intelligence or advanced persistent threats (APTs) can make you more valuable. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or project management responsibilities can demonstrate your ability to contribute to the organization beyond technical skills. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Lastly, consider negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities.

Educational Requirements

Most Malware Reverse Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. A strong foundation in computer programming, operating systems, and network security is essential. Coursework or experience in areas such as cryptography, software development, and data analysis can also be beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some common and helpful certifications for a Malware Reverse Engineer include:

• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM): This certification focuses specifically on reverse engineering and analyzing malware.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): While broader in scope, this certification is well-regarded in the cybersecurity industry.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification provides a foundation in understanding how to think like a hacker, which is useful for reverse engineering.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Known for its rigorous hands-on exam, this certification is highly respected in the field.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience in malware analysis, reverse engineering, and incident response is particularly valuable. Practical experience with tools such as IDA Pro, OllyDbg, or Ghidra is often required. Additionally, familiarity with programming languages like C, C++, Python, or Assembly is crucial for success in this role.

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