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The differences between application programmer analysts and test analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an application programmer analyst, becoming a test analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an application programmer analyst has an average salary of $82,341, which is higher than the $70,997 average annual salary of a test analyst.
The top three skills for an application programmer analyst include C++, java and javascript. The most important skills for a test analyst are test scripts, test plan, and regression.
| Application Programmer Analyst | Test Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $82,341 | $70,997 |
| Hourly rate | $39.59 | $34.13 |
| Growth rate | 9% | - |
| Number of jobs | 87,881 | 91,308 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
Application Programmer Analysts are responsible for analyzing and implementing software programs and applications. Their duties include defining project requirements, designing new software applications and programs, conducting business system analysis, creating a software development plan, and undertaking program user research. They are also involved in writing programming scripts, carrying out software development testing, and producing statistical reports. Application programmer analysts also schedule software improvements, communicate with the vendor regarding new system implementation, develop user manuals, and perform software installations.
The duties of a test analyst depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a test analyst is responsible for testing computer software or hardware to ensure its quality before being released in the market. They participate in the development process to monitor the product specifications, review and analyze documentation, and create test systems, implementing them promptly and efficiently. As a test analyst, it is essential to produce progress reports, prepare presentations, and even give recommendations.
Application programmer analysts and test analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Application Programmer Analyst | Test Analyst | |
| Average salary | $82,341 | $70,997 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $108,000 | Between $56,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Rafael, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Cantor Fitzgerald | General Motors |
| Best paying industry | Media | Finance |
There are a few differences between an application programmer analyst and a test analyst in terms of educational background:
| Application Programmer Analyst | Test Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between application programmer analysts' and test analysts' demographics:
| Application Programmer Analyst | Test Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.2% Female, 32.8% | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |