Systems Administrator 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Develop firmware and software for embedded hardware and IoT devices.
Embedded Systems Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $36,850/year (37%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Systems Administrator vs Embedded Systems Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Systems Administrator | Embedded Systems Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,173 | $202,193 | Systems $56,020 |
| New York, NY | $120,157 | $161,501 | Systems $41,344 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,912 | $194,146 | Systems $50,234 |
| Austin, TX | $108,712 | $153,569 | Systems $44,857 |
| Chicago, IL | $104,809 | $147,632 | Systems $42,823 |
| Boston, MA | $127,175 | $180,677 | Systems $53,502 |
| London, UK | £76,827 | £107,963 | Systems $31,136 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,867 | CA$182,205 | Systems $51,338 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Administrator or Embedded Systems Engineer earn more?+
A Embedded Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Systems Administrator is $99,130/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Embedded Systems Engineer — a difference of $36,850 (37%).
Which has better career growth — Systems Administrator or Embedded Systems Engineer?+
Systems Administrator roles are growing at 4% YoY while Embedded Systems Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Embedded Systems Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Systems Administrator 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 — Systems Administrator or Embedded Systems Engineer?+
Embedded Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.