Data Engineer vs Embedded Systems Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Engineer
Build and maintain data pipelines, warehouses, and ETL infrastructure.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Develop firmware and software for embedded hardware and IoT devices.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $3,520/year (3%) higher than a Embedded Systems Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Engineer vs Embedded Systems Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Engineer | Embedded Systems Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $202,499 | $202,193 | Data +$306 |
| New York, NY | $131,540 | $161,501 | Data $29,961 |
| Seattle, WA | $105,430 | $194,146 | Data $88,716 |
| Austin, TX | $153,836 | $153,569 | Data +$267 |
| Chicago, IL | $154,010 | $147,632 | Data +$6,378 |
| Boston, MA | $179,962 | $180,677 | Data $715 |
| London, UK | £108,711 | £107,963 | Data +$748 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,115 | CA$182,205 | Data $1,090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Engineer or Embedded Systems Engineer earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Engineer is $139,500/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Embedded Systems Engineer — a difference of $3,520 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Data Engineer or Embedded Systems Engineer?+
Data Engineer roles are growing at 34% YoY while Embedded Systems Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Data Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Engineer to Embedded Systems Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Data Engineer or Embedded Systems Engineer?+
Embedded Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.