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The differences between software systems engineers and embedded software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a software systems engineer, becoming an embedded software engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a software systems engineer has an average salary of $107,102, which is higher than the $102,143 average annual salary of an embedded software engineer.
The top three skills for a software systems engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for an embedded software engineer are python, software development, and linux.
| Software Systems Engineer | Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $107,102 | $102,143 |
| Hourly rate | $51.49 | $49.11 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 370,518 | 171,613 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
An embedded software engineer is an individual who develops and implements software of embedded devices and systems as well as monitor the efficiency and stability of the system. Embedded software engineers should write programming codes and conduct testing of system software to optimize the input/output (I/O) performance. They must support the software QA and provide post-production support if necessary. Embedded software engineers should interface with hardware design and development and assess third-party and open-source software.
Software systems engineers and embedded software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Systems Engineer | Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $107,102 | $102,143 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $142,000 | Between $77,000 And $134,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a software systems engineer and an embedded software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Systems Engineer | Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between software systems engineers' and embedded software engineers' demographics:
| Software Systems Engineer | Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 30.8% White, 51.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |