Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Reverse Engineer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Reverse Engineer salary lies between USD 67,600 and USD 154,000 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 Mid-level / Intermediate Reverse Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Reverse Engineer job listings are Reverse engineering, C and Computer Science. 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 | 76 jobs C | 56 jobs Computer Science | 51 jobs Python | 46 jobs Clearance | 42 jobs Linux | 38 jobs Malware | 36 jobs Windows | 34 jobs TS/SCI | 34 jobs IDA Pro | 32 jobs Ghidra | 31 jobs Vulnerabilities | 25 jobs Security Clearance | 23 jobs Android | 18 jobs Exploits | 17 jobs Top Secret | 16 jobs Exploit | 16 jobs Binary Ninja | 16 jobs CISSP | 15 jobs Polygraph | 15 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Mid-level / Intermediate Reverse Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Reverse Engineer 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 | 32 jobs Health care | 26 jobs Team events | 20 jobs Medical leave | 20 jobs Insurance | 16 jobs 401(k) matching | 14 jobs Parental leave | 14 jobs Flex hours | 13 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 9 jobs Salary bonus | 8 jobs Equity / stock options | 6 jobs Flex vacation | 6 jobs Startup environment | 6 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a mid-level reverse engineer in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and sometimes additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. 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 policy and the individual's performance, often ranging from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration like stock options or profit-sharing is more common in larger tech companies or startups, especially those in tech hubs like Silicon Valley. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, or Washington D.C. tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Industry-wise, sectors such as finance, defense, and technology often offer more competitive compensation packages compared to others.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a mid-level reverse engineering position, consider the following steps:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of reverse engineering, such as malware analysis or firmware reverse engineering, which are in high demand.
• Advanced Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications that are recognized in the industry, which can demonstrate your commitment and expertise.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities, attend conferences, and participate in workshops to increase your visibility and learn about new opportunities.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for roles that involve leading projects or teams, as these often come with higher compensation.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity to remain competitive and valuable to employers.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level reverse engineering 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 roles that involve complex problem-solving and advanced technical skills. A strong foundation in computer programming, operating systems, and network security is essential. Additionally, coursework or experience in areas such as cryptography, software development, and data structures can be highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some common and helpful certifications for a reverse engineer in cybersecurity include:

• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM): Focuses on malware analysis and reverse engineering skills.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Provides a broad understanding of cybersecurity principles.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Offers practical penetration testing skills, which are valuable in understanding how to reverse engineer security threats.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Covers various hacking techniques and tools, providing insight into the mindset of a hacker.

Experience Requirements

Typically, a mid-level reverse engineer is expected to have 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in cybersecurity or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with reverse engineering tools and techniques, such as disassemblers, debuggers, and decompilers. Experience in analyzing malware, understanding assembly language, and working with different operating systems is also crucial. Practical experience in a lab environment or through real-world projects can be particularly valuable.

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