Embedded Systems Engineer vs Penetration Tester: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Develop firmware and software for embedded hardware and IoT devices.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorised attacks on systems to find and report vulnerabilities.
Embedded Systems Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $6,800/year (5%) higher than a Penetration Tester. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Embedded Systems Engineer vs Penetration Tester — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Embedded Systems Engineer | Penetration Tester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $202,193 | $193,496 | Embedded +$8,697 |
| New York, NY | $161,501 | $140,470 | Embedded +$21,031 |
| Seattle, WA | $194,146 | $188,841 | Embedded +$5,305 |
| Austin, TX | $153,569 | $145,769 | Embedded +$7,800 |
| Chicago, IL | $147,632 | $135,251 | Embedded +$12,381 |
| Boston, MA | $180,677 | $171,501 | Embedded +$9,176 |
| London, UK | £107,963 | £102,480 | Embedded +$5,483 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,205 | CA$166,911 | Embedded +$15,294 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Embedded Systems Engineer or Penetration Tester earn more?+
A Embedded Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Embedded Systems Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Penetration Tester — a difference of $6,800 (5%).
Which has better career growth — Embedded Systems Engineer or Penetration Tester?+
Embedded Systems Engineer roles are growing at 12% YoY while Penetration Tester demand is growing at 30% YoY. Penetration Tester has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Embedded Systems Engineer to Penetration Tester?+
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 — Embedded Systems Engineer or Penetration Tester?+
Penetration Tester has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.