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The differences between embedded engineers and 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 software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, 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 engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Embedded Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,419 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $45.87 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 24,338 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Embedded engineers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,419 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $125,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Start-up |
There are a few differences between an embedded engineer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between embedded engineers' and software engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |