Product Designer 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.
Product Designer
Design end-to-end product experiences across digital touchpoints.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Develop firmware and software for embedded hardware and IoT devices.
Embedded Systems Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $31,980/year (31%) higher than a Product Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Product Designer vs Embedded Systems Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Product Designer | Embedded Systems Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $152,323 | $202,193 | Product $49,870 |
| New York, NY | $124,352 | $161,501 | Product $37,149 |
| Seattle, WA | $152,056 | $194,146 | Product $42,090 |
| Austin, TX | $119,558 | $153,569 | Product $34,011 |
| Chicago, IL | $109,818 | $147,632 | Product $37,814 |
| Boston, MA | $139,034 | $180,677 | Product $41,643 |
| London, UK | £83,576 | £107,963 | Product $24,387 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,572 | CA$182,205 | Product $47,633 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Product Designer or Embedded Systems Engineer earn more?+
A Embedded Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Product Designer is $104,000/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Embedded Systems Engineer — a difference of $31,980 (31%).
Which has better career growth — Product Designer or Embedded Systems Engineer?+
Product Designer roles are growing at 22% YoY while Embedded Systems Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Product Designer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Product Designer 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 — Product Designer or Embedded Systems Engineer?+
Embedded Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 36%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.