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The differences between embedded software engineers and 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 systems engineer. Additionally, an embedded software engineer has an average salary of $102,143, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.
The top three skills for an embedded software engineer include python, software development and linux. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,143 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $49.11 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 171,613 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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.
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Embedded software engineers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Software Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,143 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $134,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an embedded software engineer and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 systems engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Software Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |