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Embedded engineer vs computer engineer

The differences between embedded engineers and computer engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an embedded engineer and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $95,419 average annual salary of an embedded engineer.

The top three skills for an embedded engineer include python, C and C++. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.

Embedded engineer vs computer engineer overview

Embedded EngineerComputer Engineer
Yearly salary$95,419$96,805
Hourly rate$45.87$46.54
Growth rate21%10%
Number of jobs24,338126,709
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age3942
Years of experience22

What does an embedded engineer do?

Embedded engineers are skilled professionals who are responsible for conducting all activities that are related to embedded systems. These engineers are required to design and configure hardware components of embedded systems such as processor, controller, memory, and serial communication port. They must participate in reviewing the requirements, design, and source code of embedded systems as well as identify opportunities for software process and development cycle time improvements. Embedded engineers must troubleshoot malfunctioning embedded systems while providing written updates to managers and their clients.

What does a computer engineer do?

A computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology. Computer engineers are responsible for computer hardware design, development, research, and test computer systems. They examine components like circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and networks. While, those working with the computer software are in charge of the development, design, and administration of software programs.

Embedded engineer vs computer engineer salary

Embedded engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Embedded EngineerComputer Engineer
Average salary$95,419$96,805
Salary rangeBetween $72,000 And $125,000Between $70,000 And $132,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyAppleWaymo
Best paying industryProfessionalFinance

Differences between embedded engineer and computer engineer education

There are a few differences between an embedded engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:

Embedded EngineerComputer Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringComputer Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityHarvard University

Embedded engineer vs computer engineer demographics

Here are the differences between embedded engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:

Embedded EngineerComputer Engineer
Average age3942
Gender ratioMale, 86.3% Female, 13.7%Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 31.7% White, 51.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 15.0% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%11%

Differences between embedded engineer and computer engineer duties and responsibilities

Embedded engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
  • Experience implementing and debugging low-level drivers and communication protocols for hardware serial interfaces like SPI, I2C and RS232.
  • Design and develop real time applications on QNX RTOS.
  • Make use of Bluetooth to communicate with app in IOS.
  • Used Unix file sockets to communicate client library with usb daemon.
  • Integrate the function block with DSP system & test the product.
  • Show more

Computer engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage electronic files using the PDM system.
  • Script VBA to automate the creation of installation documents.
  • Manage DNS and Kerberos infrastructure services for the computing center.
  • Manage and design UAT tests for new software release, delegate out tasks, and report results back to QA department.
  • Manage automation jobs within Jenkins.
  • Manage collaborative CSV documentation efforts using Microsoft SharePoint.
  • Show more

Embedded engineer vs computer engineer skills

Common embedded engineer skills
  • Python, 11%
  • C, 7%
  • C++, 7%
  • Firmware, 7%
  • Software Development, 6%
  • Embedded Systems, 5%
Common computer engineer skills
  • Python, 15%
  • Software Development, 8%
  • Java, 6%
  • Linux, 6%
  • C, 5%
  • C++, 5%

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