Software 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.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Develop firmware and software for embedded hardware and IoT devices.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Embedded Systems Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Embedded Systems Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Embedded Systems Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $202,193 | Software $7,243 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $161,501 | Software +$5,329 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $194,146 | Software $4,678 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $153,569 | Software $4,735 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $147,632 | Software +$2,334 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $180,677 | Software $4,135 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £107,963 | Software $34,021 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$182,205 | Software $56,053 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Embedded Systems Engineer earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Embedded Systems Engineer — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Embedded Systems Engineer?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Embedded Systems Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Software Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software 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 — Software Engineer or Embedded Systems Engineer?+
Embedded Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.