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

Salary details

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

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 in the United States typically comprises several components. The fixed base salary is the largest portion, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profits, usually make up 10-20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. The exact composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and stock options, while smaller companies or those in less competitive regions might offer more in bonuses or benefits to attract talent.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level Malware Reverse Engineer position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of malware analysis, such as IoT malware or ransomware, which are in high demand.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into managerial or leadership roles, such as leading a team of reverse engineers or heading a cybersecurity department.
• Consulting: Offer your expertise as a consultant, which can command higher hourly rates and provide diverse opportunities.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity, and consider obtaining advanced certifications or degrees.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities to discover new opportunities and negotiate better compensation packages.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Malware Reverse Engineer 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 expert-level roles. A strong foundation in computer programming, operating systems, and network security is essential. Additionally, coursework or experience in cryptography, data structures, and algorithms can be highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

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

• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM): Focuses on analyzing malicious software.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Offers a broad understanding of cybersecurity principles.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Provides skills in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Demonstrates advanced penetration testing skills.

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 with various tools and techniques, such as disassemblers, debuggers, and network analysis tools, is crucial. Familiarity with different operating systems, programming languages, and malware types is also important. Prior experience in incident response or threat intelligence can be advantageous.

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