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The differences between embedded engineers and software developers 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 software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an embedded engineer has an average salary of $95,419, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for an embedded engineer include python, C and C++. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Embedded Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,419 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $45.87 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 24,338 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Embedded engineers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $95,419 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $125,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between an embedded engineer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between embedded engineers' and software developers' demographics:
| Embedded Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |