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The differences between senior firmware engineers and senior staff 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 a senior staff engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior staff engineer has an average salary of $136,031, which is higher than the $123,759 average annual salary of a senior firmware engineer.
The top three skills for a senior firmware engineer include python, SPI and embedded systems. The most important skills for a senior staff engineer are python, java, and architecture.
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Senior Staff Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $123,759 | $136,031 |
| Hourly rate | $59.50 | $65.40 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 58,307 | 239,752 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| 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.
A senior staff engineer is responsible for supervising a team of engineers, chemists, software developers, or molecular biologists. His/Her or her responsibilities include generating Structured Query Language (SQL) performance audit checklist template, creating SQL data query routines and functions for data extraction, and working directly with stakeholders. The job requires strong mechanical, listening, and mathematical skills and proficiency in Python programming language and computer architecture and hardware. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, business, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
Senior firmware engineers and senior staff engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Senior Staff Engineer | |
| Average salary | $123,759 | $136,031 |
| Salary range | Between $94,000 And $161,000 | Between $95,000 And $194,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Airbnb |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a senior firmware engineer and a senior staff engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Senior Staff Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State Polytechnic University, Pomona |
Here are the differences between senior firmware engineers' and senior staff engineers' demographics:
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Senior Staff Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% | Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |