Salary for Senior-level / Expert Malware Analyst in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Malware Analyst salary lies between USD 104,000 and USD 176,446 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 Senior-level / Expert Malware Analyst roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Malware Analyst job listings are Malware, Reverse engineering and Linux. 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 | 23 jobs Reverse engineering | 20 jobs Linux | 13 jobs Forensics | 12 jobs Incident response | 11 jobs Vulnerabilities | 11 jobs Windows | 11 jobs GREM | 11 jobs GCFA | 10 jobs C | 9 jobs Python | 9 jobs Clearance | 9 jobs Code analysis | 8 jobs Cyber defense | 7 jobs CISSP | 7 jobs Java | 7 jobs JavaScript | 7 jobs Threat intelligence | 6 jobs CASP+ | 6 jobs GXPN | 6 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Malware Analyst roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Malware Analyst job listings are Flex hours, 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:

Flex hours | 13 jobs Career development | 13 jobs Medical leave | 8 jobs Flex vacation | 5 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 5 jobs Team events | 4 jobs Health care | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Startup environment | 2 jobs Competitive pay | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Insurance | 1 jobs Salary bonus | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Malware Analyst can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into three main components:

• Base Salary: This is the fixed annual amount and usually constitutes the largest portion of the total compensation package. In high-cost living areas like San Francisco or New York, the base salary might be higher to account for living expenses.

• Bonus: Many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary. These bonuses are often tied to individual performance, team success, or company profitability.

• Additional Remuneration: This can include stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives. Larger tech companies or startups might offer stock options as a significant part of the compensation package, while more traditional industries might focus on profit-sharing.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of $166,000, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of malware analysis, such as reverse engineering or threat intelligence, which are in high demand.

• Leadership Roles: Transition into managerial or leadership positions, such as a team lead or director of cybersecurity, which typically offer higher salaries.

• Consulting: Consider moving into consulting roles, where you can leverage your expertise across multiple projects and potentially earn higher compensation.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity, and pursue advanced certifications or degrees that can enhance your qualifications.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Malware Analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for expert-level roles. Relevant coursework in network security, cryptography, and computer forensics can be particularly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most valuable certifications for a Malware Analyst include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Malware Analyst is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a focus on malware analysis. Experience in related roles such as incident response, threat hunting, or digital forensics can also be advantageous. Hands-on experience with tools like IDA Pro, OllyDbg, or Wireshark is often required.

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