Salary for Entry-level / Junior Malware Analyst in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Malware Analyst salary lies between USD 86,000 and USD 138,000 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. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Entry-level / Junior Malware Analyst roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Malware Analyst job listings are Malware, Reverse engineering and Vulnerabilities. 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 | 16 jobs Reverse engineering | 14 jobs Vulnerabilities | 9 jobs C | 8 jobs Linux | 8 jobs Windows | 8 jobs GREM | 8 jobs Clearance | 7 jobs TS/SCI | 7 jobs Exploit | 7 jobs Analytics | 6 jobs DoDD 8570 | 6 jobs Incident response | 5 jobs CEH | 5 jobs GIAC | 5 jobs Python | 5 jobs Android | 5 jobs DoD | 5 jobs Monitoring | 5 jobs DCO | 5 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Entry-level / Junior Malware Analyst roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Malware Analyst job listings are Career development, Health care and Team events. 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 | 8 jobs Health care | 6 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Competitive pay | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Flex hours | 2 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs Equity / stock options | 1 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Entry-Level/Junior Malware Analyst

The salary for an entry-level or junior malware analyst in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policies and the individual's performance. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

The composition can vary based on several factors: - Region: Salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. - Industry: Companies in finance or healthcare may offer higher salaries due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle. - Company Size: Larger companies might offer more comprehensive benefits and bonuses, while startups might offer equity as part of the compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider the following steps: - Gain Experience: Accumulate hands-on experience by working on diverse projects and taking on more responsibilities. - Pursue Advanced Certifications: Certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can enhance your credentials. - Specialize: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as reverse engineering or threat intelligence. - Network: Engage with professional communities and attend industry conferences to learn about new opportunities and trends. - Consider Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field can open up higher-level positions.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level malware analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept candidates with equivalent experience or a strong portfolio of relevant work. A solid understanding of computer systems, networks, and programming is essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your employability and credibility in the field of cybersecurity. Some common and beneficial certifications for a malware analyst include: - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM) - CompTIA Security+ - Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise.

Experience Requirements

For an entry-level position, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or relevant projects during your studies. Familiarity with malware analysis tools, basic scripting, and understanding of operating systems and network protocols is often expected.

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