How To Become A Firmware Developer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a firmware developer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Rebecca Allen

Firmware is a type of software that allows a corresponding piece of hardware to function. For example, the audiovisual system of a television is a type of firmware. A Firmware Developer spends time designing and programming firmware for a company's products. They have extensive knowledge in coding languages like Python, C++, and Java. They also demonstrate skills in handling hardware.

Most employers require their Firmware Developers to have a college diploma. Employed American Firmware Developers commonly hold degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering Technology. In fact, many Firmware Developers take the time to hone their craft even longer than most and end up pursuing Master's degrees.

A Firmware Developer in the United States earns an average yearly salary of roughly about $90,000. That's more or less $45 an hour. Though, some can make a six-figure salary with enough experience and in the right company. Employers like Blackberry, Wahoo Fitness, and Immersion pay their Firmware Developers a highly competitive, above-average yearly wage of $120,000 or more.

What general advice would you give to a Firmware Developer?

Rebecca Allen

Mount St. Joseph University

AI, for sure. I have heard it said that AI might not replace humans, rather humans who know how to use AI well may replace humans who don't.

ScoreFirmware DeveloperUS Average

Salary

6.8

Avg. Salary $87,481

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

4.7

Growth Rate 21%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 29.84%

Black or African American 4.55%

Hispanic or Latino 8.30%

Unknown 4.83%

White 52.31%

Gender

female 6.55%

male 93.45%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress Level

4.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

6.8

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

6.2

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

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Key steps to become a firmware developer

Explore firmware developer education requirements

Most common firmware developer degrees

Bachelor's

72.1 %

Master's

21.4 %

Associate

5.2 %

Start to develop specific firmware developer skills

Skills	Percentages
Python	12.47%
Java	9.00%
Software Development	6.92%
C	6.90%
C++	6.90%

Complete relevant firmware developer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New firmware developers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a firmware developer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real firmware developer resumes.

Research firmware developer duties and responsibilities

Analyze and manage the project throughout SDLC, written/review specification documents.
Develop SRAM/FRAM SPI interface for use in network communication.
Write an application in VC++ which facilitates API testing.
Board support package for ARM9 processors, board bring up and debugging.

Prepare your firmware developer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your firmware developer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a firmware developer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Firmware Developer Resume templates

Build a professional Firmware Developer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Firmware Developer resume.

Apply for firmware developer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a firmware developer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do firmware developers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

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1 Star

Firmware Developer reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023

Pros

Developing new technologies and working with both hardware and software