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Embedded systems engineer vs computer engineer

The differences between embedded systems engineers and computer 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 systems engineer and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $91,959 average annual salary of an embedded systems engineer.

The top three skills for an embedded systems engineer include embedded systems, python and software development. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.

Embedded systems engineer vs computer engineer overview

Embedded Systems EngineerComputer Engineer
Yearly salary$91,959$96,805
Hourly rate$44.21$46.54
Growth rate21%10%
Number of jobs77,484126,709
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age3942
Years of experience22

What does an embedded systems engineer do?

An embedded systems engineer is responsible for monitoring and creating embedded network systems and servers to support business operations. Embedded systems engineers run multiple diagnostic tests to identify technical solutions that would increase the efficiency and stability of the systems. They must have excellent technical skills for network resolution, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to write scripts and generate support for data integration. An embedded systems engineer updates infrastructure to boost optimization and identify opportunities for enhancing engineering techniques.

What does a computer engineer do?

A computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology. Computer engineers are responsible for computer hardware design, development, research, and test computer systems. They examine components like circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and networks. While, those working with the computer software are in charge of the development, design, and administration of software programs.

Embedded systems engineer vs computer engineer salary

Embedded systems engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Embedded Systems EngineerComputer Engineer
Average salary$91,959$96,805
Salary rangeBetween $70,000 And $120,000Between $70,000 And $132,000
Highest paying CitySan Mateo, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaWaymo
Best paying industryProfessionalFinance

Differences between embedded systems engineer and computer engineer education

There are a few differences between an embedded systems engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:

Embedded Systems EngineerComputer Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringComputer Engineering
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Embedded systems engineer vs computer engineer demographics

Here are the differences between embedded systems engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:

Embedded Systems EngineerComputer Engineer
Average age3942
Gender ratioMale, 90.7% Female, 9.3%Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 30.6% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 15.0% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%11%

Differences between embedded systems engineer and computer engineer duties and responsibilities

Embedded systems engineer example responsibilities.

  • Lead the firmware part of the project, which includes firmware design, development and testing.
  • Used standard bus interfaces like UART, SPI, I2C, USB for interfacing sensors and other devices.
  • Used various programming protocols like RS232, SPI and I2C.
  • Develop ADC drivers base on I2C, SPI and UART protocol.
  • Design and develop a wireless system to replace a legacy product base on linux and java.
  • Utilize DSP techniques to process sensing data and build a Bluetooth wireless interface for data transmission.
  • Show more

Computer engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage electronic files using the PDM system.
  • Script VBA to automate the creation of installation documents.
  • Manage DNS and Kerberos infrastructure services for the computing center.
  • Manage and design UAT tests for new software release, delegate out tasks, and report results back to QA department.
  • Manage automation jobs within Jenkins.
  • Manage collaborative CSV documentation efforts using Microsoft SharePoint.
  • Show more

Embedded systems engineer vs computer engineer skills

Common embedded systems engineer skills
  • Embedded Systems, 12%
  • Python, 8%
  • Software Development, 5%
  • C, 5%
  • C++, 5%
  • Linux, 5%
Common computer engineer skills
  • Python, 15%
  • Software Development, 8%
  • Java, 6%
  • Linux, 6%
  • C, 5%
  • C++, 5%

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