Embedded Systems Engineer Salary.
Across 30 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
$135,000
Nashville, TN
Lowest Paying
$113,000
St. Louis, MO
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 Nashville 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
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.