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The differences between embedded systems engineers and senior firmware 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 senior firmware engineer. Additionally, a senior firmware engineer has an average salary of $123,759, 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 senior firmware engineer are python, SPI, and embedded systems.
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Senior Firmware Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,959 | $123,759 |
| Hourly rate | $44.21 | $59.50 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 77,484 | 58,307 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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.
As a senior firmware engineer, you will be in charge of designing software models such as special monitors, device drivers, and application firmware. You often need to test various software programs to improve the functionality of the products. You need to test the algorithms as well as optimize the products for the target audience. The algorithms which you structure should have practical applications so that the clients will meet their needs.
You also need to participate in the research and development process of the company so that you can understand the various requirements. From this discussion, you can create innovative ideas for the improvement of the products. Extensive knowledge of programming languages such as C, C++, PCI, Linux, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering or a related field is required to qualify for this position.
Embedded systems engineers and senior firmware engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Senior Firmware Engineer | |
| Average salary | $91,959 | $123,759 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $120,000 | Between $94,000 And $161,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an embedded systems engineer and a senior firmware engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Senior Firmware Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between embedded systems engineers' and senior firmware engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Senior Firmware Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 30.9% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |