careers in embedded engineering

Hi - I'm a third year EE at UIUC. I've been involved in many personal and
class projects involving embedded electronics. Most of my work has been
with Atmel microcontrollers - both AVRs and ARMs. I have found this work to
be much more interesting than most of the other EE material that I study
(power systems, DSP, semiconductors, etc.)

How is the job field in embedded engineering? Do embedded jobs pay as well
as other EE jobs? Also, what part of embedded work would an EE do? In my
projects I do everything - I first figure out what is needed, then draw out
a schematic for that purpose, then lay out the board, then have the board
printed, assemble the board, then program it. But I expect in a real world
environment I would not be involved in every step like this.

Lastly, are there any classes that would be very helpful for a career in
embedded engineering? Next year I have space for a number of technical
electives (essentially, any engineering class), so I'm looking to gain as
much useful knowledge as possible.

Thanks,

-Mike Noone
.