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The differences between senior embedded software engineers and software test 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 software test engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior embedded software engineer has an average salary of $113,699, which is higher than the $85,338 average annual salary of a software test engineer.
The top three skills for a senior embedded software engineer include software development, python and linux. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Senior Embedded Software Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $113,699 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $54.66 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | 21% | - |
| Number of jobs | 207,872 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
Software engineers are responsible for coordinating the process of analyzing computer software programs. This process requires creating and implementing testing methods, documenting the test results, and providing recommendations for software improvements. They are also responsible for other tasks, including writing software testing procedures and creating testing scripts using different programming languages. A software engineer also collaborates with software developers and other staff members from the start and completion of a particular project. Having a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or information technology is needed to become a software engineer.
Senior embedded software engineers and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Embedded Software Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $113,699 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $88,000 And $146,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a senior embedded software engineer and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Embedded Software Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between senior embedded software engineers' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Senior Embedded Software Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.5% Female, 9.5% | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |