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Embedded Software Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

How much does an Embedded Software Engineering Manager make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Embedded Software Engineering Manager in the United States is $153,552 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $172,269
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $141,873 to $163,349
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $131,240

Key Factors That Influence Embedded Software Engineering Manager Salaries

An Embedded Software Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Embedded Software Engineering Manager'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 VI (10-12 years): $193,716
  • Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $122,598
  • Embedded Software Engineering Manager (12+ years): $153,552
  • Embedded Software Engineering Senior Manager (12+ years): $185,063
  • Embedded Software Engineering Director (12+ years): $212,247
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Embedded Software Engineer VI10-12 years$193,716
Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor12+ years$122,598
Embedded Software Engineering Manager12+ years$153,552
Embedded Software Engineering Senior Manager12+ years$185,063
Embedded Software Engineering Director12+ years$212,247

Top Paying Cities for Embedded Software Engineering Manager

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: $193,675
  • San Francisco: $191,555
  • Oakland: $187,518

What Skills Can Increase an Embedded Software Engineering Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 6.33% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Product Development (Mentioned in 3.17% Job Postings): Overseeing the creation of new products or improvement of the performance, cost, or quality of existing products to achieve business goals.
  • Linux (Mentioned in 1.81% Job Postings): Managing a system's hardware and resources using a Unix-like open-source operating system.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 6.33%
Product Development 3.17%
Linux 1.81%

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 Engineering Manager's salary.

  • Empowerment: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Coaching: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Agility: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Empowerment $173,514
13%
Coaching $171,978
12%
Agility $171,978
12%

Embedded Software Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Embedded Software Engineering Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $171,893. While startup companies pay approximate $145,417.

Embedded Software Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $145,417
Growth Stage 51~500 $153,796
Established 501~5000 $165,993
Enterprise 5000+ $171,893

Embedded Software Engineering Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Embedded Software Engineering Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Embedded Software Engineering Manager positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Embedded Software Engineering Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Embedded Software Engineering Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$191,940$92.025%
Software & Networking$184,262$89.020%
Financial Services$176,585$85.015%
Energy & Utilities$168,907$81.010%
Chemicals$161,230$78.05%

Embedded Software Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Embedded Software Engineering Manager'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
$141,873
Average $153,552/year
$163,349
$11,823
Average $12,796/month
$13,612
$2,728
Average $2,953/week
$3,141
$68
Average $74/hour
$79
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $163,349 $13,612 $3,141 $79
Average $153,552 $12,796 $2,953 $74
25th Percentile $141,873 $11,823 $2,728 $68

Embedded Software Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Embedded Software Engineering Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Embedded Software Engineering Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $185,063 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Embedded Software Engineering Manager

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

Common company salaries for Embedded Software Engineering Manager

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

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FAQ about Embedded Software Engineering Manager

1. Where can an Embedded Software Engineering Manager earn the most?

An Embedded Software Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Embedded Software Engineering Manager is $193,675.

2. What is the highest pay for Embedded Software Engineering Manager?

The highest pay for Embedded Software Engineering Manager is $172,269.

3. What is the lowest pay for Embedded Software Engineering Manager?

The lowest pay for Embedded Software Engineering Manager is $131,240.

4. What are the responsibilities of Embedded Software Engineering Manager?

Leads the design, development, testing, debugging, and implementation of embedded software and systems. Guides the development of software and firmware source code in C/C++, Embedded C, and other languages and 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. Coordinates engineering support for testing, deployment, and updates. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Embedded Software Engineering Manager?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Embedded Software Engineering Manager roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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.)

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