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The differences between embedded systems engineers and software development engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an embedded systems engineer, becoming a software development engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software development engineer has an average salary of $109,147, 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 software development engineer are java, software development, and AWS.
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,959 | $109,147 |
| Hourly rate | $44.21 | $52.47 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 77,484 | 356,971 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
A software development engineer is responsible for designing and developing software systems and applications based on clients' specifications and business needs. Software development engineers manage operating systems and analyze network codes to maintain the compatibility of the software applications and control systems. They also run diagnostic tests for every software structure to ensure smooth navigations and perform immediate troubleshooting for inconsistencies. A software development engineer must have a strong command of programming languages, as well as technological processes and analytical skills.
Embedded systems engineers and software development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $91,959 | $109,147 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $120,000 | Between $80,000 And $147,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between an embedded systems engineer and a software development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between embedded systems engineers' and software development engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| 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, 32.7% White, 49.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |