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The differences between hardware engineers and software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a hardware engineer, becoming a software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a hardware engineer has an average salary of $104,912, which is higher than the $100,260 average annual salary of a software engineer.
The top three skills for a hardware engineer include python, RF and PCB. The most important skills for a software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Hardware Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,912 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $50.44 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 53,213 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | 1 | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Hardware engineers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hardware Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,912 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $142,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a hardware engineer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hardware Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between hardware engineers' and software engineers' demographics:
| Hardware Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 8% |