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The differences between embedded engineers and software programmers 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 programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, an embedded engineer has an average salary of $95,419, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software programmer.
The top three skills for an embedded engineer include python, C and C++. The most important skills for a software programmer are java, javascript, and software development.
| Embedded Engineer | Software Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,419 | $71,612 |
| Hourly rate | $45.87 | $34.43 |
| Growth rate | 21% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 24,338 | 253,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 8 |
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 programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
Embedded engineers and software programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Engineer | Software Programmer | |
| Average salary | $95,419 | $71,612 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $125,000 | Between $55,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Panaya |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between an embedded engineer and a software programmer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Engineer | Software Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between embedded engineers' and software programmers' demographics:
| Embedded Engineer | Software Programmer | |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% |
| 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, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 25.2% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |