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The differences between embedded engineers and embedded software 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 an embedded software engineer. Additionally, an embedded software engineer has an average salary of $102,143, 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 an embedded software engineer are python, software development, and linux.
| Embedded Engineer | Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,419 | $102,143 |
| Hourly rate | $45.87 | $49.11 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 24,338 | 171,613 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
An embedded software engineer is an individual who develops and implements software of embedded devices and systems as well as monitor the efficiency and stability of the system. Embedded software engineers should write programming codes and conduct testing of system software to optimize the input/output (I/O) performance. They must support the software QA and provide post-production support if necessary. Embedded software engineers should interface with hardware design and development and assess third-party and open-source software.
Embedded engineers and embedded software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Engineer | Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,419 | $102,143 |
| 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 | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an embedded engineer and an embedded software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Engineer | Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between embedded engineers' and embedded software engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Engineer | Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 30.8% White, 51.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |