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The differences between embedded software developers and 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 software developer, becoming a developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a developer has an average salary of $100,076, which is higher than the $89,506 average annual salary of an embedded software developer.
The top three skills for an embedded software developer include python, software development and linux. The most important skills for a developer are javascript, python, and java.
| Embedded Software Developer | Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,506 | $100,076 |
| Hourly rate | $43.03 | $48.11 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 257,508 | 262,570 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
An embedded software developer designs and develops software embedded into systems and devices. They are primarily in charge of writing codes that implement systems and solutions, ensuring the embedded software adheres to project goals and requirements. They also develop test structures to find and improve weaknesses, troubleshoot issues, monitor systems, and perform regular maintenance checks. Most embedded software developers work in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Developers are usually system or application developers in a company who work on specific projects related to networks or applications from conception to implementation. They attend planning sessions to ensure that the program is feasible. They are responsible for designing the system through coding and basic user interface design. They also work on troubleshooting any challenges that may be met at the testing stage of the program's development. They solve challenges and ensure that minimal problems will arise upon publishing the system or application. They also manage the evaluation to ensure that the program's goals are accomplished and that the end-users are satisfied with the results.
Embedded software developers and developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Software Developer | Developer | |
| Average salary | $89,506 | $100,076 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $117,000 | Between $76,000 And $131,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | - |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between an embedded software developer and a developer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Software Developer | Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between embedded software developers' and developers' demographics:
| Embedded Software Developer | Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% | Male, 74.9% Female, 25.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 31.0% White, 50.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |