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The differences between embedded engineers and software development 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 software development engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software development engineer has an average salary of $109,147, 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 software development engineer are java, software development, and AWS.
| Embedded Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,419 | $109,147 |
| Hourly rate | $45.87 | $52.47 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 24,338 | 356,971 |
| 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 software development engineer is responsible for designing and developing software systems and applications based on clients' specifications and business needs. Software development engineers manage operating systems and analyze network codes to maintain the compatibility of the software applications and control systems. They also run diagnostic tests for every software structure to ensure smooth navigations and perform immediate troubleshooting for inconsistencies. A software development engineer must have a strong command of programming languages, as well as technological processes and analytical skills.
Embedded engineers and software development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,419 | $109,147 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $125,000 | Between $80,000 And $147,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between an embedded engineer and a software development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Engineer | Software Development 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 software development engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 32.7% White, 49.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |