IT Support Specialist 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.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Develop firmware and software for embedded hardware and IoT devices.
Embedded Systems Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $74,120/year (120%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Support Specialist vs Embedded Systems Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | Embedded Systems Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $202,193 | IT $109,385 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $161,501 | IT $88,584 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $194,146 | IT $107,179 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $153,569 | IT $84,325 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $147,632 | IT $82,755 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $180,677 | IT $101,462 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £107,963 | IT $59,965 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$182,205 | IT $98,009 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or Embedded Systems Engineer earn more?+
A Embedded Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Embedded Systems Engineer — a difference of $74,120 (120%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or Embedded Systems Engineer?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while Embedded Systems Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Embedded Systems Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist 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 — IT Support Specialist or Embedded Systems Engineer?+
Embedded Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.