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The differences between embedded systems engineers and software 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 engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, 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 engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,959 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $44.21 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 77,484 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Embedded systems engineers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $91,959 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $120,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Start-up |
There are a few differences between an embedded systems engineer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between embedded systems engineers' and software engineers' demographics:
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |