Reverse Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Reverse Engineer salary lies between USD 100,000 and USD 185,000 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Reverse Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Reverse Engineer job listings are Reverse engineering, C and Clearance. 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:

Reverse engineering | 208 jobs C | 152 jobs Clearance | 132 jobs Ghidra | 128 jobs Computer Science | 128 jobs Python | 123 jobs Malware | 102 jobs IDA Pro | 98 jobs TS/SCI | 88 jobs Security Clearance | 84 jobs Vulnerabilities | 75 jobs Linux | 75 jobs Windows | 73 jobs Polygraph | 68 jobs Binary Ninja | 61 jobs Exploit | 48 jobs Exploits | 45 jobs GREM | 44 jobs Top Secret | 43 jobs CISSP | 41 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Reverse Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Reverse Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care 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:

Career development | 102 jobs Health care | 94 jobs Medical leave | 65 jobs Parental leave | 48 jobs Insurance | 48 jobs Flex hours | 41 jobs Flex vacation | 39 jobs 401(k) matching | 36 jobs Salary bonus | 35 jobs Equity / stock options | 31 jobs Team events | 30 jobs Competitive pay | 19 jobs Wellness | 18 jobs Startup environment | 12 jobs Relocation support | 11 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 9 jobs Conferences | 6 jobs Fertility benefits | 6 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs

Salary Composition

In the field of reverse engineering within InfoSec/Cyber Security, the salary composition can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range from 70% to 85% of the total compensation. Bonuses are also a common component, often tied to performance metrics or company profitability, and can account for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or defense may offer more substantial bonuses and stock options compared to smaller firms or those in less competitive regions.

Increasing Salary Potential

To increase your salary further from a reverse engineering position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training that can set you apart from your peers. Gaining expertise in emerging technologies or niche areas within cybersecurity can make you more valuable. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or project management responsibilities can lead to higher compensation. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Finally, considering a move to a region or industry with higher demand for reverse engineering skills can result in a significant salary increase.

Educational Requirements

Most reverse engineering roles in cybersecurity require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, especially for more advanced roles. A strong foundation in programming, computer architecture, and operating systems is essential. Coursework or experience in cybersecurity principles and practices is also highly beneficial. Employers often look for candidates with a solid understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of reverse engineering.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can play a crucial role in advancing your career in reverse engineering. Some of the most recognized and helpful certifications include:

• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM): This certification demonstrates expertise in analyzing and understanding malware.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): While broader in scope, this certification is highly respected in the cybersecurity field.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): This certification is valuable for those looking to demonstrate practical penetration testing skills.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification provides a foundation in ethical hacking techniques, which can be beneficial for reverse engineering.

Experience Requirements

Typically, reverse engineering roles require several years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Employers often look for candidates with 3 to 5 years of relevant experience, including hands-on work with reverse engineering tools and techniques. Experience with programming languages such as C, C++, and Python is often required, as well as familiarity with assembly language. Practical experience in analyzing malware, debugging, and using reverse engineering tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Radare2 is highly valued.

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