Malware Reverse Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Malware Reverse Engineer salary lies between USD 146,000 and USD 218,500 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 Reverse Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Malware Reverse Engineer job listings are Malware, Reverse engineering and C. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Malware | 47 jobs Reverse engineering | 46 jobs C | 30 jobs IDA Pro | 27 jobs Computer Science | 22 jobs Ghidra | 21 jobs Python | 20 jobs GREM | 19 jobs Threat intelligence | 18 jobs CISSP | 18 jobs Java | 18 jobs OllyDbg | 17 jobs Encryption | 15 jobs Automation | 14 jobs JavaScript | 14 jobs Clearance | 14 jobs Incident response | 12 jobs Vulnerabilities | 12 jobs Windows | 12 jobs GCIH | 11 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, Career development and Medical leave. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Health care | 30 jobs Career development | 15 jobs Medical leave | 14 jobs Equity / stock options | 8 jobs Salary bonus | 8 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs Insurance | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Parental leave | 3 jobs Flex hours | 3 jobs Wellness | 3 jobs Competitive pay | 3 jobs Team events | 3 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Flex vacation | 1 jobs Fertility benefits | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary for a Malware Reverse Engineer can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base amount, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range widely depending on the cost of living in the area and the demand for cybersecurity professionals. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can be a significant portion of the total compensation, especially in larger tech companies or financial institutions. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups or publicly traded companies, as well as benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances. In regions with a high concentration of tech companies, such as Silicon Valley or New York City, the overall compensation package might be more competitive compared to other areas.

Increasing Salary Potential

To increase your salary further from a Malware Reverse Engineer position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Senior Malware Analyst, Threat Intelligence Analyst, or even managerial positions like Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager. Specializing in niche areas of cybersecurity, such as threat hunting or incident response, can also enhance your value. Additionally, gaining expertise in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence or machine learning as they apply to cybersecurity can set you apart. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also increase your visibility and lead to higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Malware Reverse Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, 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 play a crucial role in establishing credibility and expertise in the field of cybersecurity. Some of the most recognized certifications for a Malware Reverse Engineer include:

• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM): Specifically focused on reverse engineering malware.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A broad certification that covers various aspects of information security.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Provides knowledge on how to think like a hacker to better defend against threats.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Known for its rigorous hands-on approach to penetration testing.

These certifications not only validate your skills but also demonstrate a commitment to the field, which can be attractive to employers.

Experience Requirements

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity roles, with specific experience in malware analysis or reverse engineering. Practical experience with tools such as IDA Pro, OllyDbg, or Ghidra is often required. Experience in scripting or programming languages like Python, C, or C++ is also highly valued. Demonstrating a history of successfully analyzing and mitigating malware threats can significantly enhance your candidacy.

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