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The differences between embedded engineers and computer software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an embedded engineer, becoming a computer software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a computer software engineer has an average salary of $102,511, 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 software engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Embedded Engineer | Computer Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,419 | $102,511 |
| Hourly rate | $45.87 | $49.28 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 24,338 | 326,143 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
A computer software engineer designs, develops, and maintains computer systems and software using their knowledge of computer programming languages, engineering principles, and computer operating systems. As a computer software engineer, your duties will vary depending on your specialization but typically include reviewing and analyzing the client's needs and requirements, designing, developing, and testing the software application to ensure those needs are met, and creating algorithms to instruct the computer what to do. You are also expected to provide software upgrades recommendations for existing applications or systems.
Embedded engineers and computer software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Engineer | Computer Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,419 | $102,511 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $125,000 | Between $77,000 And $134,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between an embedded engineer and a computer software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Engineer | Computer Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between embedded engineers' and computer software engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Engineer | Computer Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |