> Something I never understood about embedded systems work: why is the pay so bad?
It's about in line with what electrical engineers make on average, slightly higher, at least in my location. The market places more value on people who can write code to give you a nice shopping cart interface over the ability to design digital control systems for engine control units to make sure your car can drive properly. It's just what we as contributors in a market value as truly important to us. To give some more insight: Look at the value of Twitter. A control system for a weapons-grade nuclear centrifuge - a weapon of mass destruction - is valued less than a 280 character limit.
It's about in line with what electrical engineers make on average, slightly higher, at least in my location. The market places more value on people who can write code to give you a nice shopping cart interface over the ability to design digital control systems for engine control units to make sure your car can drive properly. It's just what we as contributors in a market value as truly important to us. To give some more insight: Look at the value of Twitter. A control system for a weapons-grade nuclear centrifuge - a weapon of mass destruction - is valued less than a 280 character limit.