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The differences between senior firmware engineers and 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 firmware engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior firmware engineer has an average salary of $123,759, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a senior firmware engineer include python, SPI and embedded systems. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $123,759 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $59.50 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 58,307 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Senior firmware engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $123,759 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $94,000 And $161,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Apple | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a senior firmware engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between senior firmware engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| 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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |