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The differences between embedded software engineers and 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 engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an embedded software engineer has an average salary of $102,143, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for an embedded software engineer include python, software development and linux. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,143 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $49.11 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 171,613 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Embedded software engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,143 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $134,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Meta | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an embedded software engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between embedded software engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| 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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |