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The differences between firmware developers and senior systems 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 systems engineer. Additionally, a senior systems engineer has an average salary of $108,121, 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 systems engineer are architecture, linux, and java.
| Firmware Developer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $87,481 | $108,121 |
| Hourly rate | $42.06 | $51.98 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 78,552 | 166,742 |
| 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 systems engineer specializes in overseeing network systems, management tools, software, and hardware within a company or an organization. Their primary responsibility is to install, maintain, and resolve complex system issues using their years of extensive knowledge and expertise. They can also provide insights, troubleshooting, and technical support should it be needed. Furthermore, as a senior systems engineer, it is also their responsibility to lead, supervise, and coordinate with a team of skilled system engineers while in adherence to company policies and regulations.
Firmware developers and senior systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Firmware Developer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $87,481 | $108,121 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $117,000 | Between $82,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Parsons | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Retail |
There are a few differences between a firmware developer and a senior systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Firmware Developer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between firmware developers' and senior systems engineers' demographics:
| Firmware Developer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |