Firmware Engineer Salary in 2025: Pay Scale, Career Insights & Growth Opportunities

Do you know? In India, the number of students pursuing careers in Embedded Systems and firmware engineering has reached around 72,000, with a strong annual growth rate of 10-15%.

In 2025, firmware engineers in India can expect an average annual salary of INR 8 lakh, with salaries ranging from INR 4 lakh for entry-level positions to INR 15 lakh or more for experienced professionals in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. This salary scale reflects the growing demand for firmware expertise in industries such as electronics, automotive, and the Internet of Things (IoT). 

As the need for advanced technology solutions continues to rise, understanding the pay scale and career growth in firmware engineering becomes essential for students planning their careers. This blog examines average firmware engineer salary trends, key factors that affect pay, and how to increase your earning potential.

Firmware Engineer Salary in 2025: Overview & Key Salary Figures

The impressive growth of the firmware engineering sector, driven by the expanding Internet of Things (IoT) market, is set to soar from $662.21 billion in 2023 to $2,131.23 billion by 2029. 

As IoT devices proliferate, firmware engineers specializing in embedded systems are at the heart of this transformation. The demand is particularly high in cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad, where firms like Bosch, Tata Motors, and Qualcomm are constantly hiring. 

This growth reflects the increasing need for engineers to develop, optimize, and maintain the embedded systems that power everything from home appliances to self-driving cars.

Some of the key industries hiring firmware engineers include:

• Electronics: Global giants like Intel and Samsung are increasingly dependent on firmware engineers for the design and maintenance of inventive products.
• Automotive: The shift toward electric vehicles and autonomous driving is driving the need for firmware engineers, with companies like Mahindra Electric and Bosch leading the charge.
• IoT: Companies in the smart home, healthcare, and wearable sectors, such as Xiaomi, Philips, and Honeywell, are ramping up their recruitment of firmware engineers.
• Telecommunications: As 5G networks expand, telecommunications companies, including Reliance Jio and Airtel, are seeking firmware engineers to optimize network devices.

This impressive demand reflects the critical role firmware engineers play in driving innovation and development in this rapidly evolving field. 

As software and hardware continue to become increasingly interconnected, a strong foundation in software knowledge also becomes essential. Explore upGrad's software engineering courses, perfectly aligned to build the core programming skills, problem-solving techniques, and system-level thinking required in firmware engineering and beyond!

Now, let's proceed and understand how the firmware engineer salary in India varies based on experience.

Firmware Engineer Salary in India by Experience

As engineers gain more experience in firmware development, their salaries tend to increase substantially. Junior engineers with basic skills will earn significantly less than their more experienced counterparts.

For instance, entry-level engineers who have just graduated from institutes like IITs or NITs may begin with salaries around INR 4 lakhs. Still, mid and senior-level professionals in high-demand regions and companies can expect to earn significantly more. 

Additionally, engineers with advanced certifications or specializations often earn higher salaries compared to those with general firmware engineering experience. The following table compares salary ranges at different career stages:

Source: Glassdoor

Along with the level of expertise, specialization within firmware engineering can significantly impact salary. Let’s explore ahead!

Firmware Engineer Salary by Specialization

Specializations require a deeper understanding of both hardware and software, making it a valuable factor in the job market. As the demand for advanced technology in areas like electric vehicles, smart homes, and wearable tech increases, engineers specializing in these domains are often offered higher salaries. 

For instance, Automotive Firmware Engineers are highly sought after for their role in autonomous vehicle development. Similarly, IoT Firmware Engineers are in high demand as more industries move towards smart solutions.

Below is a breakdown of key specialized roles and their respective average salaries:

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed, AmbitionBox

Also Read: The Future of IoT: 15 Applications, Challenges, and Best Practices for 2025

After examining the impact of specialization on salary, the next focus is on location. Let us see how the average firmware engineer salary varies across different cities in India.

Average Firmware Engineer Salary in India: Breakdown by Region

The salaries for firmware engineers in India can vary significantly depending on the location. For instance, engineers in Bengaluru, often referred to as India's tech capital, can earn considerably more than those in smaller towns or cities in Tier 2 locations.

Cities with a large number of tech companies and startups tend to offer higher salaries, reflecting both the demand for skilled engineers and the cost of living in these areas. 

Here’s a regional comparison of the average firmware engineer salary in India:

Source: Glassdoor

A global comparison of firmware engineer salaries reveals how significantly the pay scale can vary by country. Proceed ahead!

Average Firmware Engineer Salary: Global Comparison

While India remains a key player in firmware development, salaries in countries like the US and Germany are often significantly higher. 

This reflects the high demand for highly specialized firmware engineers in these regions, particularly in areas such as Silicon Valley and Munich. The difference in salary can also be attributed to the higher cost of living in these regions.

Have a look at the global comparison of average firmware engineer salary:

Source: Glassdoor

As more students specialize in firmware engineering and embedded systems, the opportunities in this field will continue to grow.

While various factors can influence a firmware engineer's salary, understanding the key elements that determine pay levels is crucial for aspiring professionals. Let’s explore these key drivers in more detail.

Key Factors Affecting Firmware Engineer Salary

The salary of a firmware engineer is not just determined by one factor. Several variables come into play, shaping how much a firmware engineer can expect to earn. 

These factors include market demand, experience level, industry trends, location, educational background, company size, and employment type. 

Let’s break them down and explore how each contributes to salary expectations.

1. Market Demand

The demand for firmware engineers is a critical driver of salary levels. As industries such as automotive, IoT, and telecommunications continue to expand, the need for skilled professionals in embedded systems increases. 

• For instance, the IoT market alone is projected to reach USD 153.2 billion by 2029, creating significant demand for firmware engineers to develop and optimize systems for smart devices and connected infrastructure.
• Companies like Qualcomm and Intel are leading the charge, offering competitive salaries for firmware engineers with expertise in embedded systems.

2. Experience Level

Experience is one of the most significant factors affecting salary. Entry-level engineers often start with lower pay, but as they gain experience and specialize in areas like low-level programming, device drivers, or real-time systems, they can command higher salaries.

• Entry-level: Fresh graduates in India typically earn between INR 4 lakh and INR 10.4 lakh annually.
• Mid-level: Engineers with 3-5 years of experience can earn from INR 6 lakh to 14 lakhs per year.
• Senior/Expert: Senior engineers with 5+ years of experience can command salaries from INR 10 lakhs to 20 lakhs annually, especially in high-demand cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

3. Industry Trends

Firmware engineering salaries also fluctuate based on which industry you're working in. Some sectors have a higher demand for firmware expertise due to the complexity and scale of the projects. 

• For example, the automotive sector pays significantly more than the general electronics sector, as engineers working on critical systems for autonomous vehicles or electric cars require specialized knowledge.
• IoT Engineers are also in high demand due to the rapid growth in smart homes, wearables, and industrial IoT, with salaries ranging from INR 3 lakhs to 10 lakhs depending on expertise and location.

Also Read: 30 IoT Examples in Real-Life You Should Know

4. Location

Geography plays a major role in determining salary. Firmware engineers in major tech hubs like Bengaluru, Pune, or Hyderabad tend to earn higher wages due to the concentration of technology companies and the higher cost of living in these cities.

• Bengaluru leads as the highest-paying city, where firms like Qualcomm, Intel, and Bosch offer attractive salary packages to firmware engineers.

5. Company Size

The size and reputation of the company you work for also play a role in your compensation. Larger multinational corporations (MNCs) often have the resources to offer higher salaries, benefits, and perks compared to smaller startups. 

• For instance, leading global companies like Intel and Qualcomm recognize the demand for skilled firmware professionals, offering competitive salaries ranging from INR 8 lakh to over INR 20 lakh per year.
• Startups typically offer less than the top MNCs but may provide other incentives such as stock options, flexible work hours, and rapid career advancement opportunities.

6. Contract vs. Full-time

Whether you work as a full-time employee or a contractor also affects your salary. Contractors often earn more on a per-hour or per-project basis compared to full-time employees due to the lack of long-term benefits, such as health insurance or retirement plans.

• Contract Engineers: Can earn significantly more, starting from INR 361 per hour, depending on the project and specialization.
• Full-time Engineers: Receive steady pay but might not earn as much on an hourly basis, although they enjoy job stability and benefits.

7. Educational Background

Your educational qualifications can also significantly impact your salary. Firmware engineers with degrees from top-tier institutions like IITs or NITs are often offered higher salaries compared to those from other colleges, even if the technical skills are similar.

• Additionally, those with advanced degrees, such as a Master's in Embedded Systems or Embedded Software Engineering, can command higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge.

Also Read: Embedded Software Engineer Salary in India 2025: Freshers & Experienced

Understanding these key factors helps firmware engineers better navigate salary expectations and plan their careers. 

By focusing on high-demand industries, gaining specialized experience, or even considering relocation to a tech hub, engineers can position themselves for higher earnings and better job opportunities in the future.

Build Your Career as a Firmware Engineer with upGrad

Firmware engineering is all about shaping the future of technology. From smart devices to self-driving cars, firmware engineers are the ones who make it all work. 

Leading companies in India and globally, including Qualcomm, Intel, Tata Motors, Bosch, and Samsung, regularly recruit firmware engineers, offering competitive salaries that can range from INR 4 lakhs for entry-level roles to INR 15 lakhs and beyond for experienced professionals.

upGrad offers a wide range of specialized programs to help you achieve this expertise. Whether you're looking to gain a deep understanding of embedded systems, learn low-level programming, or develop proficiency in hardware interfacing, upGrad's curriculum has got you covered.

Here’s a quick look at some of their top offerings to complement with firmware field to enhance your skills further:

• Professional Certificate Program in Cloud Computing and DevOps
• Programming with Python: Introduction for Beginners
• Introduction to Generative AI
• Artificial Intelligence in the Real World

Uncertain about which course aligns with your career aspirations? upGrad's personalized career counseling can help you make the right choice. Whether you opt for online consultations or visit their offline centers, upGrad ensures you receive the guidance that matches your future goals!

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