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The differences between embedded software engineers and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an embedded software engineer and an electrical engineer. Additionally, an embedded software engineer has an average salary of $102,143, which is higher than the $81,026 average annual salary of an electrical engineer.
The top three skills for an embedded software engineer include python, software development and linux. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,143 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $49.11 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 171,613 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An embedded software engineer is an individual who develops and implements software of embedded devices and systems as well as monitor the efficiency and stability of the system. Embedded software engineers should write programming codes and conduct testing of system software to optimize the input/output (I/O) performance. They must support the software QA and provide post-production support if necessary. Embedded software engineers should interface with hardware design and development and assess third-party and open-source software.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Embedded software engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,143 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $134,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an embedded software engineer and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between embedded software engineers' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 30.8% White, 51.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |