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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Malware Reverse Engineer salary lies between USD 146,000 and USD 218,500 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

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 C. 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 | 31 jobs Reverse engineering | 30 jobs C | 21 jobs IDA Pro | 18 jobs Python | 15 jobs Ghidra | 15 jobs Computer Science | 15 jobs Threat intelligence | 12 jobs GREM | 12 jobs OllyDbg | 12 jobs CISSP | 11 jobs Java | 11 jobs Clearance | 11 jobs Automation | 9 jobs JavaScript | 8 jobs Encryption | 7 jobs GCIH | 7 jobs GCFA | 7 jobs Windows | 7 jobs Polygraph | 7 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, Medical leave and Career development. 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:

Health care | 22 jobs Medical leave | 13 jobs Career development | 12 jobs Equity / stock options | 6 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Parental leave | 3 jobs Flex hours | 3 jobs Startup environment | 3 jobs Competitive pay | 3 jobs Team events | 3 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Flex vacation | 1 jobs Fertility benefits | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Malware Reverse Engineer can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of:

• 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 Silicon Valley or New York City, 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.

• Stock Options/Equity: Particularly in tech companies or startups, stock options or equity can be a significant part of the compensation package. This can be a lucrative component if the company performs well.

• Other Benefits: Additional remuneration might include health insurance, retirement contributions (like 401(k) matching), paid time off, and other perks such as wellness programs or tuition reimbursement.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of $179,000, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of malware reverse engineering, such as IoT security or AI-driven malware analysis, which can command higher salaries.

• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as leading a team of reverse engineers or heading a cybersecurity department.

• Consulting: Consider offering your expertise as a consultant, which can often lead to higher hourly rates and the potential for additional income streams.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity, and pursue advanced certifications or degrees that can justify a higher salary.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level malware reverse engineering positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. However, a master's degree or even a Ph.D. can be advantageous and sometimes necessary for expert-level roles, especially in research-intensive positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your expertise. Some valuable certifications for a malware reverse engineer include:

• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM): Specifically focused on reverse engineering skills.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A broad certification that covers various aspects of cybersecurity.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Useful for understanding offensive security techniques.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Provides a foundation in ethical hacking, which is beneficial for understanding malware behavior.

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 reverse engineering. Experience in analyzing complex malware, developing custom tools, and working with various operating systems and architectures is often required.

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