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The differences between senior firmware 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 senior firmware engineer and an embedded engineer. Additionally, a senior firmware engineer has an average salary of $123,759, which is higher than the $95,419 average annual salary of an embedded engineer.
The top three skills for a senior firmware engineer include python, SPI and embedded systems. The most important skills for an embedded engineer are python, C, and C++.
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Embedded Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $123,759 | $95,419 |
| Hourly rate | $59.50 | $45.87 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 58,307 | 24,338 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
As a senior firmware engineer, you will be in charge of designing software models such as special monitors, device drivers, and application firmware. You often need to test various software programs to improve the functionality of the products. You need to test the algorithms as well as optimize the products for the target audience. The algorithms which you structure should have practical applications so that the clients will meet their needs.
You also need to participate in the research and development process of the company so that you can understand the various requirements. From this discussion, you can create innovative ideas for the improvement of the products. Extensive knowledge of programming languages such as C, C++, PCI, Linux, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering or a related field is required to qualify for this position.
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.
Senior firmware engineers and embedded engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Embedded Engineer | |
| Average salary | $123,759 | $95,419 |
| Salary range | Between $94,000 And $161,000 | Between $72,000 And $125,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Professional |
There are a few differences between a senior firmware engineer and an embedded engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Embedded Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between senior firmware engineers' and embedded engineers' demographics:
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Embedded Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 30.9% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 8% | 8% |