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The differences between embedded software engineers and software developers 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 software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an embedded software engineer has an average salary of $102,143, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for an embedded software engineer include python, software development and linux. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,143 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $49.11 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 171,613 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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.
A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Embedded software engineers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $102,143 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $134,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between an embedded software engineer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between embedded software engineers' and software developers' demographics:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |