As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for an Embedded Software Engineer I in the United States is $80,064 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Embedded Software Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Embedded Software Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Embedded Software Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Embedded Software Engineer I | 0-2 years | $80,064 |
| Embedded Software Engineer II | 2-4 years | $94,787 |
| Embedded Software Engineer III | 4-7 years | $115,987 |
| Embedded Software Engineer IV | 7+ years | $141,493 |
| Embedded Software Engineer V | 7-10 years | $160,578 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Embedded Software Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Integrity | 4.18% |
| Open Source | 4.35% |
| Machine Learning | 2.5% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Calibration
|
$85,668 |
7%
|
|
Finance and Accounting
|
$85,668 |
7%
|
|
Insight
|
$83,267 |
4%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$83,267 |
4%
|
|
Accountability
|
$83,267 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$82,466 |
3%
|
Understanding how an Embedded Software Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on March 01, 2026For an Embedded Software Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Embedded Software Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $94,787 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Embedded Software Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Embedded Software Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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An Embedded Software Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Embedded Software Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Embedded Software Engineer I is $100,985.
The highest pay for Embedded Software Engineer I is $93,330.
The lowest pay for Embedded Software Engineer I is $68,735.
Designs, develops, tests, debugs, and implements embedded software and systems. Develops software and firmware source code in C/C++, Embedded C, and other languages. Understanding of common communication interfaces like SPI, I2C, USB, UART, and others. Utilizes version control, simulation, debugging, and other development tools. Collaborates cross functionally with hardware engineers. Provides engineering support for testing, deployment, and updates. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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