Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between embedded software developers 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 software developer, 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 $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 software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Embedded Software Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,506 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $43.03 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 257,508 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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.
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 software developers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Software Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,506 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $117,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Start-up |
There are a few differences between an embedded software developer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Software Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between embedded software developers' and software engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Software Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 4.4% 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% |