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Embedded Software Engineer V Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Embedded Software Engineer V in the United States is $160,544 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $175,222
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $153,259 to $168,227
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $146,626

Key Factors That Influence Embedded Software Engineer V Salaries

An Embedded Software Engineer V'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 V Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Embedded Software Engineer V'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 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
  • Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $122,598
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
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
Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor12+ years$122,598

Top Paying Cities for Embedded Software Engineer V

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: $202,494
  • San Francisco: $200,277
  • Oakland: $196,056

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 2.75% 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 4% 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 2.54% 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 2.75%
Computer Engineering 4%
Algorithms 2.54%

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 V's salary.

  • Machine Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Scheduling: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Machine Learning $179,809
12%
Verbal Communication $174,993
9%
Scheduling $173,388
8%

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

Embedded Software Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $179,720. While startup companies pay approximate $152,039.

Embedded Software Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $152,039
Growth Stage 51~500 $160,799
Established 501~5000 $173,551
Enterprise 5000+ $179,720

Embedded Software Engineer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Embedded Software Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 5% above the average. In contrast, Embedded Software Engineer positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Embedded Software Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Embedded Software Engineer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$168,571$81.05%
Business Services$168,571$81.05%
Construction$168,571$81.05%
Energy & Utilities$168,571$81.05%
Healthcare$168,571$81.05%

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

Understanding how an Embedded Software Engineer V'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
$153,259
Average $160,544/year
$168,227
$12,772
Average $13,379/month
$14,019
$2,947
Average $3,087/week
$3,235
$74
Average $77/hour
$81
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $168,227 $14,019 $3,235 $81
Average $160,544 $13,379 $3,087 $77
25th Percentile $153,259 $12,772 $2,947 $74

Embedded Software Engineer V Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Embedded Software Engineer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Embedded Software Engineer VI role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $193,716 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Embedded Software Engineer V

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

Common company salaries for Embedded Software Engineer V

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

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FAQ about Embedded Software Engineer V

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

An Embedded Software Engineer V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Embedded Software Engineer V is $202,494.

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

The highest pay for Embedded Software Engineer V is $175,222.

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

The lowest pay for Embedded Software Engineer V is $146,626.

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

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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Embedded Software Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 5% 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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