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Embedded Software Engineer VI Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Embedded Software Engineer VI in the United States is $193,716 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $93.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $232,607
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $180,949 to $214,073
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $169,325

Key Factors That Influence Embedded Software Engineer VI Salaries

An Embedded Software Engineer VI'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 VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Embedded Software Engineer VI'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 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
  • Embedded Software Engineering Manager (12+ years): $153,552
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
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
Embedded Software Engineering Manager12+ years$153,552

Top Paying Cities for Embedded Software Engineer VI

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: $244,334
  • San Francisco: $241,659
  • Oakland: $236,566

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

Embedded Software Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $216,854. While startup companies pay approximate $183,453.

Embedded Software Engineer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $183,453
Growth Stage 51~500 $194,024
Established 501~5000 $209,411
Enterprise 5000+ $216,854

Embedded Software Engineer VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Embedded Software Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Embedded Software Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Embedded Software Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Embedded Software Engineer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$251,831$121.030%
Biotechnology$247,956$119.028%
Financial Services$236,334$114.022%
Pharmaceuticals$232,459$112.020%
Telecom$232,459$112.020%

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

Understanding how an Embedded Software Engineer VI'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
$180,949
Average $193,716/year
$214,073
$15,079
Average $16,143/month
$17,839
$3,480
Average $3,725/week
$4,117
$87
Average $93/hour
$103
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $214,073 $17,839 $4,117 $103
Average $193,716 $16,143 $3,725 $93
25th Percentile $180,949 $15,079 $3,480 $87

Embedded Software Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Embedded Software Engineer VI, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $122,598 - a projected growth of -37% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Embedded Software Engineer VI

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

Common company salaries for Embedded Software Engineer VI

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

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FAQ about Embedded Software Engineer VI

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

An Embedded Software Engineer VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Embedded Software Engineer VI is $244,334.

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

The highest pay for Embedded Software Engineer VI is $232,607.

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

The lowest pay for Embedded Software Engineer VI is $169,325.

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

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. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Embedded Software Engineer VI roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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