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Embedded Software Engineer IV Salary in the United States

How much does an Embedded Software Engineer IV make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Embedded Software Engineer IV in the United States is $141,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.

However, an Embedded Software Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $159,353
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $134,536 to $150,845
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $128,196
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Embedded Software Engineer IV Salaries

An Embedded Software Engineer IV'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.

How Experience Level Affects Embedded Software Engineer IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Embedded Software Engineer IV'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:

  • Embedded Software Engineer II (2-4 years): $94,774
  • Embedded Software Engineer III (4-7 years): $115,987
  • Embedded Software Engineer IV (7+ years): $141,500
  • Embedded Software Engineer V (7-10 years): $160,544
  • Embedded Software Engineer VI (10-12 years): $193,716
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Embedded Software Engineer II2-4 years$94,774
Embedded Software Engineer III4-7 years$115,987
Embedded Software Engineer IV7+ years$141,500
Embedded Software Engineer V7-10 years$160,544
Embedded Software Engineer VI10-12 years$193,716
View as Graph

How Do Embedded Software Engineer IVs Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $156,669.
  • California: $156,075.
  • Massachusetts: $153,994.

Top Paying Cities for Embedded Software Engineer IV

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $178,474
  • San Francisco: $176,520
  • Oakland: $172,800

What Skills Can Increase an Embedded Software Engineer IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 2.74% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Computer Engineering (Mentioned in 3.96% Job Postings): Computer engineering is a branch of electrical engineering that integrates several fields of computer science and electronic engineering required to develop computer hardware and software.
  • Algorithms (Mentioned in 2.48% Job Postings): Algorithms act as an exact list of instructions that conduct specified actions step by step in either hardware- or software-based routines.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 2.74%
Computer Engineering 3.96%
Algorithms 2.48%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Embedded Software Engineer IV's salary.

  • Finance and Accounting: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Creativity: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Ethernet: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Finance and Accounting $155,650
10%
Creativity $145,745
3%
Ethernet $145,745
3%
Get Latest Data

Embedded Software Engineer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Embedded Software Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $158,401. While startup companies pay approximate $134,004.

Embedded Software Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $134,004
Growth Stage 51~500 $141,725
Established 501~5000 $152,964
Enterprise 5000+ $158,401

Embedded Software Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Embedded Software Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Embedded Software Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Embedded Software Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Embedded Software Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$169,800$82.020%
Energy & Utilities$162,725$78.015%
Software & Networking$162,725$78.015%
Pharmaceuticals$158,480$76.012%
Biotechnology$155,650$75.010%

Embedded Software Engineer IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Embedded Software Engineer IV'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 August 01, 2026
$134,536
Average $141,500/year
$150,845
$11,211
Average $11,792/month
$12,570
$2,587
Average $2,721/week
$2,901
$65
Average $68/hour
$73
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $150,845 $12,570 $2,901 $73
Average $141,500 $11,792 $2,721 $68
25th Percentile $134,536 $11,211 $2,587 $65

Embedded Software Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Embedded Software Engineer IV

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Advancement

For an Embedded Software Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Embedded Software Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $160,544 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Embedded Software Engineer IV

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Embedded Software Engineer IV

Here are companies hiring for Embedded Software Engineer IV and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Embedded Software Engineer IV

1. Where can an Embedded Software Engineer IV earn the most?

An Embedded Software Engineer IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Embedded Software Engineer IV is $178,474.

2. What is the highest pay for Embedded Software Engineer IV?

The highest pay for Embedded Software Engineer IV is $159,353.

3. What is the lowest pay for Embedded Software Engineer IV?

The lowest pay for Embedded Software Engineer IV is $128,196.

4. What are the responsibilities of Embedded Software Engineer IV?

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 highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Embedded Software Engineer IV?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Embedded Software Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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