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The differences between senior embedded software engineers and principal 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 senior embedded software engineer, becoming a principal engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a principal engineer has an average salary of $130,213, which is higher than the $113,699 average annual salary of a senior embedded software engineer.
The top three skills for a senior embedded software engineer include software development, python and linux. The most important skills for a principal engineer are java, architecture, and python.
| Senior Embedded Software Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $113,699 | $130,213 |
| Hourly rate | $54.66 | $62.60 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 207,872 | 312,683 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A senior embedded software engineer is in charge of designing and developing software for embedded systems and equipment. In a company setting, their responsibilities include coordinating with different teams, identifying and meeting the company's needs, establishing guidelines for new systems, and implementing solutions in vulnerable areas for a smooth and efficient workflow. Furthermore, as a senior embedded software engineer, it is essential to lead and serve as a mentor to junior engineers, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
A principal engineer is responsible for monitoring the overall design phase of the construction process, including coordinating with the client for progress and updates, as well as performing adjustments as needed based on clients' specifications and requirements. Principal engineers also inspect the materials and resources used to ensure that the project stays within the budget goals and set timeframe. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in preparing reports and training new staff.
Senior embedded software engineers and principal engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Embedded Software Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Average salary | $113,699 | $130,213 |
| Salary range | Between $88,000 And $146,000 | Between $95,000 And $177,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Grubhub | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a senior embedded software engineer and a principal engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Embedded Software Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between senior embedded software engineers' and principal engineers' demographics:
| Senior Embedded Software Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.5% Female, 9.5% | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 30.5% White, 51.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.6% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |