Embedded Systems Software Engineer Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Embedded Systems Software Engineer in the United States is $109,414 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $126,690
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $100,133 to $118,457
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $91,683

Key Factors That Influence Embedded Systems Software Engineer Salaries

An Embedded Systems Software Engineer'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 Systems Software Engineer Salaries?

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

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $79,141
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $108,749
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $127,594
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $141,924
  • Expert (over 8 years): $164,520
Levels Salary
Software ... Level Embedded Systems Software Engineer$79,141
Embedded ... Level Embedded Systems Software Engineer$108,749
Software ... Level Embedded Systems Software Engineer$127,594
Software ... Level Embedded Systems Software Engineer$141,924
Software ... Level Embedded Systems Software Engineer$164,520

Top Paying Cities for Embedded Systems Software Engineers

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: $138,004
  • San Francisco: $136,493
  • Oakland: $133,616

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.94% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Python (Mentioned in 3.21% Job Postings): Applying the concepts and algorithms of Python to design, develop and maintain software applications to comply with business requirements.
  • VMware (Mentioned in 2.15% Job Postings): Applying the VMware software to develop multiple virtual computer systems within a single server.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.94%
Python 3.21%
VMware 2.15%

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 Systems Software Engineer's salary.

  • Risk Management: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • VPN: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • IT Infrastructure: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Risk Management $119,261
9%
VPN $118,167
8%
IT Infrastructure $117,073
7%

Embedded Systems Software Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Embedded Systems Software Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Embedded Systems Software Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Embedded Systems Software Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Embedded Systems Software Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$129,109$62.018%
Financial Services$125,826$60.015%
Internet$122,544$59.012%
Pharmaceuticals$122,544$59.012%
Energy & Utilities$120,355$58.010%

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

Understanding how an Embedded Systems Software Engineer'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 September 01, 2026
$100,133
Average $109,414/year
$118,457
$8,344
Average $9,118/month
$9,871
$1,926
Average $2,104/week
$2,278
$48
Average $53/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $118,457 $9,871 $2,278 $57
Average $109,414 $9,118 $2,104 $53
25th Percentile $100,133 $8,344 $1,926 $48

Most common benefits for Embedded Systems Software Engineer

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

Common company salaries for Embedded Systems Software Engineer

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

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FAQ about Embedded Systems Software Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Embedded Systems Software Engineer?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Embedded Systems Software Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 18% 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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