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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Reverse Engineer salary lies between USD 105,000 and USD 221,000 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 Senior-level / Expert Reverse Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Reverse Engineer job listings are Reverse engineering, C and Ghidra. 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 | 104 jobs C | 77 jobs Ghidra | 76 jobs Clearance | 75 jobs Python | 62 jobs Malware | 60 jobs Computer Science | 60 jobs TS/SCI | 50 jobs Polygraph | 49 jobs Security Clearance | 49 jobs IDA Pro | 48 jobs Binary Ninja | 37 jobs Vulnerabilities | 36 jobs Windows | 30 jobs Exploit | 27 jobs Top Secret | 26 jobs GREM | 26 jobs Linux | 25 jobs CISSP | 24 jobs Scripting | 23 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Reverse Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care 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:

Career development | 57 jobs Health care | 55 jobs Medical leave | 38 jobs Parental leave | 27 jobs Flex vacation | 26 jobs Flex hours | 25 jobs Insurance | 25 jobs Salary bonus | 22 jobs Equity / stock options | 21 jobs 401(k) matching | 16 jobs Wellness | 14 jobs Competitive pay | 10 jobs Team events | 10 jobs Startup environment | 6 jobs Fertility benefits | 6 jobs Conferences | 5 jobs Relocation support | 5 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Reverse Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often comprising 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives, may account for 5% to 10%.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City may offer higher base salaries and more substantial stock options due to the competitive job market. Industry variations are also notable; cybersecurity roles in finance or healthcare may offer higher bonuses due to the critical nature of security in these sectors. Larger companies might provide more comprehensive benefits and stock options, while smaller firms may offer higher base salaries to attract top talent.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 165,500, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training that can set you apart from your peers. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, gaining experience in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or AI-driven security solutions, can make you more valuable to employers. Seeking leadership roles or transitioning into a managerial position can also lead to higher compensation. Finally, consider negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level reverse engineering positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree or even a Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles that demand a deep understanding of complex systems and advanced problem-solving skills. Some employers may also consider candidates with extensive experience and a proven track record in reverse engineering, even if they lack formal educational credentials.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications for a senior-level reverse engineering role. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications include:

• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM): This certification demonstrates expertise in analyzing and understanding malware.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): While broader in scope, this certification is highly respected in the cybersecurity field.
• Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE): This certification is valuable for those focusing on penetration testing and advanced security techniques.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification provides a foundation in ethical hacking, which is often relevant to reverse engineering.

Required Experience

Typically, a senior-level reverse engineer is expected to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a significant portion of that time dedicated to reverse engineering. Experience in analyzing malware, understanding assembly language, and working with various operating systems is crucial. Additionally, hands-on experience with reverse engineering tools and techniques, such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, or OllyDbg, is often required.

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