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What is an embedded software developer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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Embedded Software Developers are in charge of designing, creating, optimizing, and deploying software for microprocessor-based devices. They write codes to solve problems and build systems that allow a physical hardware component to operate via software. From the briefing, writing, testing, and correcting stages to the final release, the developers take the concept all the way through. Furthermore, they are experts in C and C++ programming, Linux operating systems, Microcontrollers, and Microprocessors.

As a budding Embedded Software Developer, you must be able to read a schematic diagram. You must also be Python programming language compliant. Plus, you must possess debugging skills and have an outstanding ability to work with existing codebases, and you must possess deductive reasoning ability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to come up with new ideas. You must also understand the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace. The educational requirement for this post is a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Embedded Software Developers earn between $83,286 to $101,903 yearly.

ScoreEmbedded Software DeveloperUS Average
Salary
7.0

Avg. Salary $89,506

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.7

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 31.02%

Black or African American 4.66%

Hispanic or Latino 8.44%

Unknown 4.87%

White 50.85%

Gender

female 10.65%

male 89.35%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
4.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Embedded software developer career paths

Key steps to become an embedded software developer

  1. Explore embedded software developer education requirements

    Most common embedded software developer degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.2 %

    Master's

    28.8 %

    Diploma

    2.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific embedded software developer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Python12.41%
    Software Development7.59%
    Linux7.15%
    C6.80%
    C++6.80%
  3. Complete relevant embedded software developer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New embedded software developers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an embedded software developer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real embedded software developer resumes.
  4. Research embedded software developer duties and responsibilities

    • Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
    • Work with hardware architectures (FPGA and DSPs) and interfaces (USB, SPI, I2C, and UART).
    • Work on network, USB, SPI and I2c device drivers.
    • Develop driver, OS abstraction layer and application software in QNX RTOS.
  5. Prepare your embedded software developer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your embedded software developer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an embedded software developer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable embedded software developer resume templates

    Build a professional embedded software developer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your embedded software developer resume.
    Embedded Software Developer Resume
    Embedded Software Developer Resume
    Embedded Software Developer Resume
    Embedded Software Developer Resume
    Embedded Software Developer Resume
    Embedded Software Developer Resume
    Embedded Software Developer Resume
    Embedded Software Developer Resume
    Embedded Software Developer Resume
  6. Apply for embedded software developer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an embedded software developer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first embedded software developer job

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Average embedded software developer salary

The average embedded software developer salary in the United States is $89,506 per year or $43 per hour. Embedded software developer salaries range between $68,000 and $117,000 per year.

Average embedded software developer salary
$89,506 Yearly
$43.03 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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