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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Embedded Systems Developer in California is $82,603 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, an Embedded Systems Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Embedded Systems Developer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $94,224 | $7,852 | $1,812 | $45 |
| Average | $82,603 | $6,884 | $1,589 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,488 | $6,291 | $1,452 | $36 |
Alif Semiconductor - Pleasanton, CA
RTL Networks Inc - Ridgecrest, CA
RTL Networks Inc - Ridgecrest, CA
STR - San Diego, CA
An Embedded Systems Developer'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 Systems Developer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Embedded ... Level Embedded Systems Developer | $81,748 |
| Web Softw... Level Embedded Systems Developer | $114,263 |
| Web Softw... Level Embedded Systems Developer | $131,704 |
| Web Softw... Level Embedded Systems Developer | $155,070 |
| Web Softw... Level Embedded Systems Developer | $168,402 |
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 Systems Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Embedded Systems Developer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Embedded Systems Developer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Embedded Systems Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $99,123 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $99,123 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $99,123 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $94,993 | $46.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $94,993 | $46.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Embedded Systems Developer'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $94,224 | $7,852 | $1,812 | $45 |
| Average | $82,603 | $6,884 | $1,589 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,488 | $6,291 | $1,452 | $36 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Embedded Systems Developer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
STR
Carlsbad, CA
STR | Carlsbad, CA
Job Description. Job Description. STR is hiring an. Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer. to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers de... more
2 Days Ago
Intellisense Systems Inc
Torrance, CA
Intellisense Systems Inc | Torrance, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Intellisense Systems, Inc. is a privately held company with a proven track record of developing and deploying innovative ... more
3 Days Ago
FieldAI
Irvine, CA
FieldAI | Irvine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Who are We. Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and f... more
4 Days Ago
Umbra
Santa Barbara, CA
Umbra | Santa Barbara, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower custo... more
5 Days Ago
Nathan Kunes Inc
San Diego, CA
Nathan Kunes Inc | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. NKI is experiencing rapid growth, and we're looking for a full-time Embedded Systems Engineer to join our team and suppor... more
5 Days Ago
Scientific Drilling Inc.
Paso Robles, CA
Scientific Drilling Inc. | Paso Robles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Scientific Drilling is looking for a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer to join our Applied Technologies Center in Paso Rob... more
6 Days Ago
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