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The differences between embedded systems engineers and embedded software developers 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 an embedded software developer. Additionally, an embedded systems engineer has an average salary of $91,959, which is higher than the $89,506 average annual salary of an embedded software developer.
The top three skills for an embedded systems engineer include embedded systems, python and software development. The most important skills for an embedded software developer are python, software development, and linux.
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Embedded Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,959 | $89,506 |
| Hourly rate | $44.21 | $43.03 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 77,484 | 257,508 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
An embedded software developer designs and develops software embedded into systems and devices. They are primarily in charge of writing codes that implement systems and solutions, ensuring the embedded software adheres to project goals and requirements. They also develop test structures to find and improve weaknesses, troubleshoot issues, monitor systems, and perform regular maintenance checks. Most embedded software developers work in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Embedded systems engineers and embedded software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Embedded Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $91,959 | $89,506 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $120,000 | Between $68,000 And $117,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an embedded systems engineer and an embedded software developer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Embedded Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between embedded systems engineers' and embedded software developers' demographics:
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Embedded Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 31.0% White, 50.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |