The average salary for a Reverse Engineer in the US is $158,420 per year.
Reverse Engineers analyze compiled software, firmware, or hardware systems to understand internal functionality, detect vulnerabilities, and uncover malicious behavior. They often work in cybersecurity, digital forensics, malware analysis, and vulnerability research. In the US, this role is highly valued across defense contractors, cybersecurity firms, intelligence agencies, software companies, and research organizations. Salaries vary based on low-level programming expertise, exploit analysis capability, security clearance requirements, and industry specialization. Professionals who perform advanced binary analysis and uncover high-impact security weaknesses typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Reverse Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $158,420 |
| Median Salary | $150,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $115,000 |
| Highest Salary | $245,000 |
Total compensation may include performance bonuses, security clearance premiums, and research incentives.
Gender Pay Analysis in Reverse Engineer
Gender pay differences for Reverse Engineers in the US are influenced by specialization depth, industry sector, and research exposure.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $162,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $153,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $159,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where pay reflects advanced technical contributions and exploit research capabilities.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Reverse Engineers in the US typically earn around $115,000–$135,000 per year. These professionals assist in binary analysis, review code structures, and contribute to vulnerability investigations under senior supervision. Most at this level have 2–4 years of cybersecurity or low-level programming experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Reverse Engineers usually earn between $140,000 and $195,000 per year. At this stage, professionals independently analyze malware, conduct firmware assessments, and develop exploit proof-of-concepts. This level commonly requires 4–8 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Reverse Engineers earn $225,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $245,000 in defense or specialized security research organizations. These professionals lead complex reverse engineering investigations, mentor junior analysts, and support zero-day discovery initiatives. Compensation reflects high technical complexity and mission-critical impact.
Certifications for Reverse Engineer
- GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM)
- GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
- Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst (CREA)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Binary and firmware analysis
- Assembly language and low-level programming
- Malware reverse engineering
- Debugging and dynamic analysis tools
- Exploit development fundamentals
- Static and dynamic code analysis
Best-paying cities for Reverse Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($158,420) |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $183,000 | ▲ +15% |
| San Francisco, CA | $187,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $174,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $169,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $163,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $150,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $147,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $159,500 | ▲ +0% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying reverse engineering role isn’t just about technical expertise — it’s also about applying consistently, at scale, and to the right opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and compensation negotiation instead of manual applications.
Apply to Jobs Across Multiple Platforms
RoboApply brings job listings from multiple platforms into one place. This includes reverse engineering roles from major job boards and company career pages, helping you discover opportunities you might otherwise miss, including high-paying and remote positions.
This broad coverage increases your chances of finding roles that match both your experience level and salary expectations.
Save Time with Auto-Apply
Manually applying to reverse engineering roles can be time-consuming and repetitive. RoboApply’s auto-apply feature allows users to apply to many relevant opportunities efficiently, helping maintain consistent application activity in competitive cybersecurity markets.
Improve Resume Relevance with AI Support
Different employers prioritize different reverse engineering toolsets and environments. RoboApply helps tailor resumes to better match job descriptions, increasing interview callbacks and improving application success rates.
Prepare Better for Interviews
RoboApply supports interview preparation by helping candidates understand binary analysis scenarios, exploit discussions, and technical research challenges.
Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can track submitted applications and monitor employer responses to refine their job search strategy over time.
Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a competitive compensation range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate discovered vulnerabilities, malware analysis success, and contributions to security improvements. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes research bonuses, security clearance premiums, equity, and remote flexibility. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Reverse Engineer Compensation
As cyber threats evolve and organizations prioritize deep technical security analysis, demand for skilled Reverse Engineers remains strong. Professionals who combine advanced low-level programming expertise with exploit research capabilities are expected to maintain strong earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $158,420 a good salary for a Reverse Engineer?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level reverse engineering roles depending on industry and clearance level.
Can Reverse Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior reverse engineers in defense and advanced security research roles can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do reverse engineering certifications increase salary?
Yes, specialized certifications and proven exploit research experience often improve earning potential.
Are remote Reverse Engineer roles common?
Yes, many reverse engineering positions are remote or hybrid, though some defense roles require on-site presence.
Which industries pay Reverse Engineers the most?
Defense contractors, cybersecurity firms, intelligence agencies, and large technology companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Reverse Engineer?
It typically requires 6–10 years of progressive reverse engineering and security research experience.
Is Reverse Engineering a stable career in the US?
Yes, ongoing cyber threats and security research needs ensure long-term demand.
