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The differences between firmware developers and senior embedded software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a firmware developer and a senior embedded software engineer. Additionally, a senior embedded software engineer has an average salary of $113,699, which is higher than the $87,481 average annual salary of a firmware developer.
The top three skills for a firmware developer include python, java and software development. The most important skills for a senior embedded software engineer are software development, python, and linux.
| Firmware Developer | Senior Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $87,481 | $113,699 |
| Hourly rate | $42.06 | $54.66 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 78,552 | 207,872 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A firmware developer mainly develops firmware and designs hardware for online supervision systems and protocol converters. Firmware developers lead workflow resolution and automate the process by routing information to queues for flexible management of exceptions. They create test programs based on technology for maximum processor and firmware processor and memory. It is their job to implement features such as one-touch power windows, audio tones, and wipers. They also create client configuration, statistics, control, and general management functions.
A senior embedded software engineer is in charge of designing and developing software for embedded systems and equipment. In a company setting, their responsibilities include coordinating with different teams, identifying and meeting the company's needs, establishing guidelines for new systems, and implementing solutions in vulnerable areas for a smooth and efficient workflow. Furthermore, as a senior embedded software engineer, it is essential to lead and serve as a mentor to junior engineers, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Firmware developers and senior embedded software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Firmware Developer | Senior Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $87,481 | $113,699 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $117,000 | Between $88,000 And $146,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Parsons | |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Retail |
There are a few differences between a firmware developer and a senior embedded software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Firmware Developer | Senior Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between firmware developers' and senior embedded software engineers' demographics:
| Firmware Developer | Senior Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 90.5% Female, 9.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 30.5% White, 51.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |