Software Reverse Engineer Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Software Reverse Engineer salary lies between USD 135,000 and USD 198,800 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. 15, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Software Reverse Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Software Reverse Engineer job listings are Reverse engineering, Clearance and C. 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:

Reverse engineering | 12 jobs Clearance | 10 jobs C | 8 jobs Computer Science | 8 jobs Windows | 6 jobs Top Secret | 6 jobs TS/SCI | 6 jobs Ghidra | 6 jobs Python | 5 jobs UNIX | 5 jobs Polygraph | 5 jobs Security Clearance | 5 jobs Malware | 4 jobs Automation | 4 jobs Code analysis | 4 jobs Top Secret Clearance | 4 jobs Java | 3 jobs Linux | 3 jobs Exploit | 3 jobs Agile | 3 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Software Reverse Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Software Reverse Engineer job listings are Health care, 401(k) matching and Career development. 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 | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Career development | 4 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the field of Software Reverse Engineering within InfoSec/Cyber Security, the salary composition can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range from 70% to 85% of the total compensation. Bonuses are also a common component, often tied to performance metrics or company profitability, and can account for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, and other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or defense may offer more competitive packages, including higher bonuses and more comprehensive benefits.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Software Reverse Engineer position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Senior Reverse Engineer, Security Architect, or Technical Lead. These positions often come with higher pay scales. Additionally, gaining expertise in niche areas like malware analysis, cryptography, or advanced threat detection can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your reputation and open up higher-paying opportunities. Pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or computer science, can also be beneficial.

Educational Requirements

Most positions for Software Reverse Engineers 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, especially for more advanced roles. A strong foundation in programming, computer systems, and network security is essential. Coursework or experience in areas such as operating systems, software development, and data structures is also highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some common and helpful certifications for Software Reverse Engineers include:

• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM): Focuses on malware analysis and reverse engineering skills.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Provides a broad understanding of cybersecurity principles.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Offers knowledge on hacking techniques and tools.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Demonstrates practical penetration testing skills.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3 to 5 years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience in software development, debugging, and familiarity with assembly language and disassemblers is crucial. Hands-on experience with reverse engineering tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Radare2 is often required. Experience in analyzing malware and understanding of network protocols can also be advantageous.

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