When you talk to engineering students about his/her dream, you will get a similar answer from most of them. They will say that their dream is to work in the core field. When it comes to students doing their electronics engineering, the core domains include embedded systems and VLSI. But, it is not easy to enter these industries. An individual will have to be skilled. Also, he/she should have a good understanding of the practical and fundamental approaches. 

Electronics consumer devices, as you know, are selling like hotcakes these days. In producing these devices, embedded systems and VLSI design play a crucial role. So, these two are industries with a great demand for professionals. Thanks to VLSI and embedded system courses offered these days! Many third-party institutions offering job-oriented courses offer VLSI and embedded system courses. So, candidates are able to gain advanced knowledge in addition to what they learn from their engineering course. As a result, they are able to prepare well for job positions in these industries. 

VLSI Design Salary Overview

VLSI design is the process of designing electronic circuits by integrating several components on a single chip. VLSI design engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to design and test complex circuits. This field requires expertise in digital and analog design, verification, synthesis, and simulation.

VLSI design engineers typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical or electronics engineering. The starting salary for a VLSI design engineer in the USA is around $1,11,745 per annum. With 3-5 years of experience, the salary can go up to $1,14,311 per annum. Senior VLSI design engineers with over ten years of experience can earn up to $1,40,311 per annum.

The salary of a VLSI design engineer varies based on several factors, such as the company, location, skillset, and experience. Companies such as Intel, Qualcomm, and Broadcom offer some of the highest salaries for VLSI professionals.

Embedded Systems Salary Overview

Embedded systems engineers design and develop software for embedded systems, which are specialized computer systems designed to perform specific tasks. Embedded systems are used in several applications, such as automobiles, medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.

Embedded systems engineers require expertise in programming languages, microcontroller architectures, real-time operating systems, and device drivers. They typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, electronics, or electrical engineering.

The starting salary for an embedded systems engineer in USA is around $99,982 per annum. With 3-5 years of experience, the salary can go up to $1,45,000 per annum. Senior embedded systems engineers with over ten years of experience can earn up to $1,60,000 per annum.

Similar to VLSI design engineers, the salary of an embedded systems engineer varies based on the company, location, skillset, and experience. Companies such as Tata Consultancy Services, HCL, and Wipro offer some of the highest salaries for embedded systems engineers in India.

Salary Comparison

When comparing the salaries of VLSI design engineers and embedded systems engineers, we can observe that both fields offer similar earning potential. The starting salaries for both these fields are similar, with VLSI design engineers earning slightly higher salaries. However, the difference in salaries is not significant, and both fields offer similar salary growth opportunities based on experience.

For instance, a senior VLSI design engineer with over ten years of experience can earn up to $1,40,311 per annum per annum, while a senior embedded systems engineer with over ten years of experience can earn up to $1,60,000 per annum. Hence, the earning potential in both fields is quite similar.

Average Per Annum Pay:

VLSI Engineers:

According to the national average in the United States, VLSI Engineers are making an average pay of $96,031 per annum. The chart given below will show you the salary of VLSI Engineers:

Source: Glassdoor

Embedded System Engineers:

The average pay per annum in the United States for Embedded System Engineers is better than VLSI Engineers. It is at $99,219. This is the average pay in the USA. But, there will be a difference in the pay you get based on your location and other factors.

Who Are Suitable For VLSI and Embedded System Careers?

VLSI:

As a VLSI Engineer, you will have to understand certain things like:

• Engineering Electromagnetics
• Engineering Mathematics
• Circuit Analysis
• Linear Systems and Random Variables
• Probability
• Semiconductor and physics devices

In short, the more you are into mathematics and design, the better are your chances to shine in the VLSI Industry.  Also, you should develop a strong aptitude for analytical thinking, verification and design.

Embedded Systems:

You should develop the knowledge listed below to shine in the embedded system field:

• Python Programming Language
• Knowledge of data structures
• Basic knowledge of IoT and web-based technologies
• Ability to read a schematic
• Hardware test equipment knowledge
• Interrupt-drive design 
• Ability to work with existing code bases
• Debugging skills

Conclusion:

When comparing the salary of VLSI professionals and embedded system engineers, the latter get better pay. But, you should know to choose the latter just for this purpose. You should evaluate your interests and accordingly choose a field.