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The differences between hardware engineers and embedded 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 hardware engineer and an embedded engineer. Additionally, a hardware engineer has an average salary of $104,912, which is higher than the $95,419 average annual salary of an embedded engineer.
The top three skills for a hardware engineer include python, RF and PCB. The most important skills for an embedded engineer are python, C, and C++.
| Hardware Engineer | Embedded Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,912 | $95,419 |
| Hourly rate | $50.44 | $45.87 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 53,213 | 24,338 |
| Job satisfaction | 1 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Hardware engineers or computer hardware engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and examining computer hardware. They help speed up new computer technology by creating enhancements in computer hardware. The hardware engineers oversee the installation of parts, manufacturing, and production. Also, they examine intricate equipment to identify an effective way to improve it as well as design devices used in manufactured products. Another responsibility is to ensure computer hardware units work with the newest software, which often requires collaboration with other software engineers.
Embedded engineers are skilled professionals who are responsible for conducting all activities that are related to embedded systems. These engineers are required to design and configure hardware components of embedded systems such as processor, controller, memory, and serial communication port. They must participate in reviewing the requirements, design, and source code of embedded systems as well as identify opportunities for software process and development cycle time improvements. Embedded engineers must troubleshoot malfunctioning embedded systems while providing written updates to managers and their clients.
Hardware engineers and embedded engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hardware Engineer | Embedded Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,912 | $95,419 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $142,000 | Between $72,000 And $125,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Professional |
There are a few differences between a hardware engineer and an embedded engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hardware Engineer | Embedded Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between hardware engineers' and embedded engineers' demographics:
| Hardware Engineer | Embedded Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 30.3% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 31.7% White, 51.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 8% |