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The differences between automation 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 automation tester and a tester. Additionally, an automation tester has an average salary of $82,429, which is higher than the $65,202 average annual salary of a tester.
The top three skills for an automation tester include java, jenkins and QA. The most important skills for a tester are java, test results, and web application.
| Automation Tester | Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $82,429 | $65,202 |
| Hourly rate | $39.63 | $31.35 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 47,656 | 52,595 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Automation testers and testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Tester | Tester | |
| Average salary | $82,429 | $65,202 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $107,000 | Between $42,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Ramon, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Bloomberg | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an automation tester and a tester in terms of educational background:
| Automation Tester | Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between automation testers' and testers' demographics:
| Automation Tester | Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.6% Female, 36.4% | 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% |