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The differences between embedded software engineers and software development 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 software development engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software development engineer has an average salary of $109,147, 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 software development engineer are java, software development, and AWS.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,143 | $109,147 |
| Hourly rate | $49.11 | $52.47 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 171,613 | 356,971 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 development engineer is responsible for designing and developing software systems and applications based on clients' specifications and business needs. Software development engineers manage operating systems and analyze network codes to maintain the compatibility of the software applications and control systems. They also run diagnostic tests for every software structure to ensure smooth navigations and perform immediate troubleshooting for inconsistencies. A software development engineer must have a strong command of programming languages, as well as technological processes and analytical skills.
Embedded software engineers and software development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,143 | $109,147 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $134,000 | Between $80,000 And $147,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an embedded software engineer and a software development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between embedded software engineers' and software development engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 32.7% White, 49.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |