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The differences between firmware developers and software programmers 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 programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a firmware developer has an average salary of $87,481, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software programmer.
The top three skills for a firmware developer include python, java and software development. The most important skills for a software programmer are java, javascript, and software development.
| Firmware Developer | Software Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $87,481 | $71,612 |
| Hourly rate | $42.06 | $34.43 |
| Growth rate | 21% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 78,552 | 253,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 8 |
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 programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
Firmware developers and software programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Firmware Developer | Software Programmer | |
| Average salary | $87,481 | $71,612 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $117,000 | Between $55,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Parsons | Panaya |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Technology |
There are a few differences between a firmware developer and a software programmer in terms of educational background:
| Firmware Developer | Software Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between firmware developers' and software programmers' demographics:
| Firmware Developer | Software Programmer | |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% |
| 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, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 25.2% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |