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The differences between automation engineers and senior test engineers 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 a senior test engineer. Additionally, an automation engineer has an average salary of $92,597, which is higher than the $82,775 average annual salary of a senior test engineer.
The top three skills for an automation engineer include python, java and PLC. The most important skills for a senior test engineer are test cases, python, and java.
| Automation Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,597 | $82,775 |
| Hourly rate | $44.52 | $39.80 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 133,941 | 245,814 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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.
A senior test engineer is an individual who is responsible for developing and implementing cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting computer systems and equipment. Senior test engineers must assist junior engineers in developing test plans and conducting testing activities on complex systems to meet program requirements. They aid in the areas of predictability, manufacturing processing, and improvement in the equipment and process. Senior test engineers must also develop proposal inputs and reviews documents generated by junior engineers.
Automation engineers and senior test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,597 | $82,775 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $121,000 | Between $63,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an automation engineer and a senior test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between automation engineers' and senior test engineers' demographics:
| Automation Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% |
| 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% |