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The differences between firmware developers and software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a firmware developer, becoming a software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software developer has an average salary of $87,521, 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 software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Firmware Developer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $87,481 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $42.06 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 78,552 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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 software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Firmware developers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Firmware Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $87,481 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $117,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Parsons | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Finance |
There are a few differences between a firmware developer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Firmware Developer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between firmware developers' and software developers' demographics:
| Firmware Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |