Embedded Reverse Engineer information
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$88.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$82K - $92.3K
38% of jobs
$92.3K - $102.5K
5% of jobs
$102.5K - $112.8K
0% of jobs
$112.8K - $123.1K
1% of jobs
$123.1K - $133.4K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $134.4K / yr.
$133.4K - $143.6K
5% of jobs
$143.6K - $153.9K
5% of jobs
$153.9K - $164.2K
3% of jobs
$164.2K - $174.5K
12% of jobs
$174.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$174.5K - $184.7K
13% of jobs
$184.7K - $195K
13% of jobs
How much do embedded reverse engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded reverse engineer in the United States is $136,286.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $178,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
An Embedded Reverse Engineer is a specialist who analyzes and deconstructs embedded systems, such as those found in hardware devices, to understand their design, functionality, and security features. They often work with low-level code, firmware, and microcontrollers to identify vulnerabilities, debug issues, or adapt software for different hardware platforms. This role requires strong knowledge of programming languages like C/C++, assembly, and tools for hardware analysis. Embedded reverse engineers are commonly employed in cybersecurity, hardware development, and digital forensics to improve system security or ensure device compatibility.
To thrive as an Embedded Reverse Engineer, you need a deep understanding of embedded systems architecture, low-level programming (such as C and Assembly), and strong problem-solving skills, often supported by a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, JTAG debuggers, and familiarity with protocols such as UART and SPI is essential. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and persistence are standout soft skills for tackling complex code and hardware challenges. These abilities are crucial for analyzing firmware, identifying vulnerabilities, and ensuring the security and reliability of embedded devices.
One of the main challenges Embedded Reverse Engineers face is dealing with limited or undocumented information about proprietary firmware and hardware. Often, engineers must reconstruct data structures, protocols, and hardware interactions from binary code alone, which can be time-consuming and complex. Additionally, encountering obfuscated code, custom encryption, or anti-tamper mechanisms is common, requiring creative problem-solving and persistence. Collaboration with hardware designers or embedded developers can help overcome some obstacles, but much of the work relies on strong analytical skills and the effective use of specialized tools.
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Reverse Engineer jobs?
For Embedded Reverse Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
