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The differences between embedded systems engineers and hardware 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 hardware engineer. Additionally, a hardware engineer has an average salary of $104,912, 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 hardware engineer are python, RF, and PCB.
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,959 | $104,912 |
| Hourly rate | $44.21 | $50.44 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 77,484 | 53,213 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 1 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| 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.
Hardware engineers or computer hardware engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and examining computer hardware. They help speed up new computer technology by creating enhancements in computer hardware. The hardware engineers oversee the installation of parts, manufacturing, and production. Also, they examine intricate equipment to identify an effective way to improve it as well as design devices used in manufactured products. Another responsibility is to ensure computer hardware units work with the newest software, which often requires collaboration with other software engineers.
Embedded systems engineers and hardware engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Average salary | $91,959 | $104,912 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $120,000 | Between $77,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an embedded systems engineer and a hardware engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between embedded systems engineers' and hardware engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% |
| 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, 6.3% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 30.3% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 4% |