Embedded Systems Engineer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$130,000
national median salary
$98,000 to $170,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$179,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$136,000
Providence, RI
Lowest Paying
$99,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Embedded Systems Engineer salary in the United States is $130,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $98,000 at the 25th percentile to $170,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $179,000, while Providence offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Engineers working on safety-critical systems in automotive, aerospace, or medical devices earn the highest rates due to regulatory complexity.
Embedded Systems Engineer salary by city
Skills that increase Embedded Systems Engineer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Embedded Systems Engineers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $18,200 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$18,200 per year
≈ +$16,900 per year
≈ +$15,600 per year
≈ +$14,300 per year
≈ +$14,300 per year
≈ +$13,000 per year
≈ +$13,000 per year
≈ +$11,700 per year
What you should know
Engineers working on safety-critical systems in automotive, aerospace, or medical devices earn the highest rates due to regulatory complexity. Expertise in RTOS, firmware optimization, and hardware-software co-design adds 15 to 20% over general embedded work. Security clearance requirements in defense applications push salaries to the top of the band.
Junior embedded engineers start at $72,000 to $90,000, advancing to mid-level at $98,000 to $135,000 in three to four years. Senior embedded architects earn $145,000 to $180,000, while principal engineers or VP of embedded systems roles command $190,000 to $260,000 at major hardware companies.
Bonuses of 8 to 15% are typical at hardware companies, with patent bonuses of $2,000 to $10,000 per filing. Automotive and aerospace firms often include relocation packages and continuing education benefits worth $5,000 to $12,000 annually.