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The differences between automation engineers and automation 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 automation engineer and an automation tester. Additionally, an automation engineer has an average salary of $92,597, which is higher than the $82,429 average annual salary of an automation tester.
The top three skills for an automation engineer include python, java and PLC. The most important skills for an automation tester are java, jenkins, and QA.
| Automation Engineer | Automation Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $92,597 | $82,429 |
| Hourly rate | $44.52 | $39.63 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 133,941 | 47,656 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An automation engineer takes charge of developing detailed design specifications and any other documents. Automation engineers develop automation software that is based on certain requirements for the involved process. They conform to local standards, international standards, and other process-oriented guidelines. Their duties also include the simulation and testing of automated machinery and processes. The must-have skills for this position include configuration software experience, scripting and coding expertise, certifications, and in-depth knowledge of technology.
An automation tester is responsible for evaluating automated system processes to ensure its stability and efficiency to support business functions and operational development. Automation testers create reports on findings, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the procedures, and providing recommendations for process improvement. They also join the technology team on conducting system configuration and improving system infrastructure, resolving network issues, and designing automation tools. An automation tester must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as network navigation and programming codes, enhancing technical frameworks for optimization.
Automation engineers and automation testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Engineer | Automation Tester | |
| Average salary | $92,597 | $82,429 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $121,000 | Between $63,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Ramon, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Meta | Bloomberg |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Insurance |
There are a few differences between an automation engineer and an automation tester in terms of educational background:
| Automation Engineer | Automation Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between automation engineers' and automation testers' demographics:
| Automation Engineer | Automation Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 63.6% Female, 36.4% |
| 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% |