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The differences between associate testers and testers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an associate tester and a tester. Additionally, an associate tester has an average salary of $74,863, which is higher than the $65,202 average annual salary of a tester.
The top three skills for an associate tester include test results, test data and java. The most important skills for a tester are java, test results, and web application.
| Associate Tester | Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $74,863 | $65,202 |
| Hourly rate | $35.99 | $31.35 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 35,159 | 52,595 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An associate tester is in charge of performing quality assurance tests on materials, ensuring the quality adheres to the company's standards and regulations. In the information technology industry, it is their duty to develop software test structures, maintain records of all results, gather and analyze data, review documents, troubleshoot issues, and prepare comprehensive reports according to the company's protocols. Furthermore, an associate tester must maintain an active communication line with teams, coordinating for a smooth and efficient workflow.
The role of technical testers is to test computer software for defects, bug errors, or any issues that may come across by an end-user. They mainly conduct product testing and prepare reports about any problems or recommendations for improvements. Other responsibilities include reviewing test plans, assessing and analyzing product specifications and requirements, and mapping out testing strategy. Technical testers also frame the test environments or support network management staff and system administrators. Qualifications for this position include knowledge of the database or structured query language, proficiency in Linux commands, and proficiency in defect tracking tools.
Associate testers and testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Tester | Tester | |
| Average salary | $74,863 | $65,202 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $102,000 | Between $42,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Morgan Stanley | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an associate tester and a tester in terms of educational background:
| Associate Tester | Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between associate testers' and testers' demographics:
| Associate Tester | Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.4% Female, 32.6% | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 11% | 11% |