Embedded Systems Engineer Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · High Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $173,600 | +55.0% | High |
| District of Columbia | $170,240 | +52.0% | High |
| California | $159,040 | +42.0% | High |
| New York | $154,560 | +38.0% | High |
| Alaska | $147,840 | +32.0% | High |
| Massachusetts | $145,600 | +30.0% | High |
| New Jersey | $143,360 | +28.0% | High |
| Washington | $140,000 | +25.0% | High |
| Connecticut | $136,640 | +22.0% | High |
| Maryland | $128,800 | +15.0% | High |
| Rhode Island | $128,800 | +15.0% | High |
| New Hampshire | $127,680 | +14.0% | High |
| Oregon | $125,440 | +12.0% | High |
| Colorado | $123,200 | +10.0% | High |
| Virginia | $123,200 | +10.0% | High |
| Vermont | $120,960 | +8.0% | High |
| Delaware | $117,600 | +5.0% | High |
| Illinois | $117,600 | +5.0% | High |
| Maine | $114,240 | +2.0% | High |
| Nevada | $114,240 | +2.0% | High |
| Minnesota | $112,000 | +0.0% | High |
| Utah | $112,000 | +0.0% | High |
| Arizona | $110,880 | -1.0% | High |
| Pennsylvania | $110,880 | -1.0% | High |
| Florida | $109,760 | -2.0% | High |
| Montana | $106,400 | -5.0% | High |
| Texas | $106,400 | -5.0% | High |
| Georgia | $104,160 | -7.0% | High |
| Idaho | $104,160 | -7.0% | High |
| Wyoming | $104,160 | -7.0% | High |
| North Dakota | $103,040 | -8.0% | High |
| Wisconsin | $103,040 | -8.0% | High |
| North Carolina | $101,920 | -9.0% | High |
| Michigan | $100,800 | -10.0% | High |
| Louisiana | $98,560 | -12.0% | High |
| Nebraska | $98,560 | -12.0% | High |
| New Mexico | $98,560 | -12.0% | High |
| Ohio | $98,560 | -12.0% | High |
| South Carolina | $98,560 | -12.0% | High |
| Tennessee | $98,560 | -12.0% | High |
| Alabama | $97,440 | -13.0% | High |
| Missouri | $97,440 | -13.0% | High |
| South Dakota | $97,440 | -13.0% | High |
| Iowa | $96,320 | -14.0% | High |
| Indiana | $95,200 | -15.0% | High |
| Kansas | $95,200 | -15.0% | High |
| Oklahoma | $94,080 | -16.0% | High |
| Arkansas | $92,960 | -17.0% | High |
| Kentucky | $92,960 | -17.0% | High |
| Mississippi | $89,600 | -20.0% | High |
| West Virginia | $87,360 | -22.0% | High |
A Embedded Systems Engineer's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Embedded Systems Engineers typically earn $73,200–$94,000 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $140,800–$158,240 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Embedded Systems Engineer role currently has high demand in the job market with a 4.5% growth rate, making it one of the most growing careers in the Technology sector.
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What is the average salary for a Embedded Systems Engineer?The average salary for a Embedded Systems Engineer in the United States is $112,000 per year, with a median of $107,000.
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What is the starting salary for a Embedded Systems Engineer?Entry-level Embedded Systems Engineers typically earn between $73,200 and $94,000 per year depending on location and employer.
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What state pays Embedded Systems Engineers the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Embedded Systems Engineers the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
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How much does a Embedded Systems Engineer make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $112,000, a Embedded Systems Engineer earns approximately $53.85 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
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Is Embedded Systems Engineer a good career in 2026?Yes — the Embedded Systems Engineer role has high demand with 4.5% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.