Salary for Senior-level / Expert Malware Reverse Engineer during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Malware Reverse Engineer salary lies between USD 112,000 and USD 179,000 globally. 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.

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

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Malware Reverse Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Malware Reverse Engineer job listings are Malware, Reverse engineering and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Malware | 17 jobs Reverse engineering | 17 jobs Python | 14 jobs Scripting | 12 jobs OllyDbg | 12 jobs Computer Science | 12 jobs Clearance | 11 jobs Vulnerabilities | 10 jobs Perl | 10 jobs Ruby | 10 jobs Linux | 9 jobs Incident response | 8 jobs GREM | 8 jobs Ghidra | 8 jobs WinDbg | 8 jobs Windows | 7 jobs Top Secret | 7 jobs PowerShell | 7 jobs Exploit | 7 jobs DNS | 6 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Malware Reverse Engineer job listings are Health care, Salary bonus and 401(k) matching. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Health care | 12 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Team events | 6 jobs Equity / stock options | 3 jobs Career development | 2 jobs Startup environment | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Competitive pay | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert Malware Reverse Engineer typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, bonuses might be more substantial compared to other regions. Additional remuneration can include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages in larger corporations. The industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services or defense sectors might offer higher compensation due to the sensitive nature of the work. Company size can influence the package as well, with larger companies often providing more structured and generous benefits.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level Malware Reverse Engineer position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a team lead or managerial position. Specializing in niche areas of malware analysis or acquiring expertise in emerging threats can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, contributing to open-source projects or publishing research can enhance your reputation and lead to better job offers. Negotiating your salary based on market research and your contributions to the company can also be effective.

Educational Requirements

Most positions for a Senior-level Malware Reverse Engineer require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree or even a Ph.D., especially for roles that involve advanced research and development. A strong foundation in computer programming, operating systems, and network security is essential. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends in cybersecurity are also crucial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some common and beneficial certifications include:

• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• SANS Institute certifications, such as the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge in malware analysis and cybersecurity, making you a more competitive candidate.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Malware Reverse Engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a significant portion dedicated to malware analysis and reverse engineering. Experience in handling complex malware threats, using reverse engineering tools, and developing custom scripts or tools is often required. Familiarity with assembly language, debugging, and disassembly tools is also crucial. Experience in leading projects or teams can be advantageous for senior roles.

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