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The differences between embedded software engineers and hardware 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 a hardware engineer. Additionally, a hardware engineer has an average salary of $104,912, which is higher than the $102,143 average annual salary of an embedded software engineer.
The top three skills for an embedded software engineer include python, software development and linux. The most important skills for a hardware engineer are python, RF, and PCB.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,143 | $104,912 |
| Hourly rate | $49.11 | $50.44 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 171,613 | 53,213 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 1 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| 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.
Hardware engineers or computer hardware engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and examining computer hardware. They help speed up new computer technology by creating enhancements in computer hardware. The hardware engineers oversee the installation of parts, manufacturing, and production. Also, they examine intricate equipment to identify an effective way to improve it as well as design devices used in manufactured products. Another responsibility is to ensure computer hardware units work with the newest software, which often requires collaboration with other software engineers.
Embedded software engineers and hardware engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,143 | $104,912 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $134,000 | Between $77,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an embedded software engineer and a hardware engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between embedded software engineers' and hardware engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% |
| 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, 6.3% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 30.3% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 4% |