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The differences between embedded software engineers and senior systems 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 senior systems engineer. Additionally, a senior systems engineer has an average salary of $108,121, 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 systems engineer are architecture, linux, and java.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,143 | $108,121 |
| Hourly rate | $49.11 | $51.98 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 171,613 | 166,742 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| 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.
A senior systems engineer specializes in overseeing network systems, management tools, software, and hardware within a company or an organization. Their primary responsibility is to install, maintain, and resolve complex system issues using their years of extensive knowledge and expertise. They can also provide insights, troubleshooting, and technical support should it be needed. Furthermore, as a senior systems engineer, it is also their responsibility to lead, supervise, and coordinate with a team of skilled system engineers while in adherence to company policies and regulations.
Embedded software engineers and senior systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,143 | $108,121 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $134,000 | Between $82,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Retail |
There are a few differences between an embedded software engineer and a senior systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between embedded software engineers' and senior systems engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |