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The differences between embedded software engineers and senior 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 engineer, becoming a senior software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior software engineer has an average salary of $114,494, 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 senior software engineer are java, python, and javascript.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,143 | $114,494 |
| Hourly rate | $49.11 | $55.05 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 171,613 | 338,989 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
Senior software engineers are experienced employees who would usually take the lead in projects related to software development. They are in charge of determining the needs of the organization, checking whether there are feasible solutions to challenges, and creating plans for the development of a software solution. They provide a sound analysis of data collected during the testing phase of the software and address any problems during the software development phase. Once the software has been developed, they then ensure that it works well and that it addresses the needs and expectations of the users.
Embedded software engineers and senior software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,143 | $114,494 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $134,000 | Between $86,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Retail |
There are a few differences between an embedded software engineer and a senior software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between embedded software engineers' and senior software engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 31.8% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |