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The differences between configuration engineers and software 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 a configuration engineer and a software test engineer. Additionally, a configuration engineer has an average salary of $101,024, which is higher than the $85,338 average annual salary of a software test engineer.
The top three skills for a configuration engineer include python, unix and java. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Configuration Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $101,024 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $48.57 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | 21% | - |
| Number of jobs | 202,945 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Configuration Engineer specializes in designing and developing computer systems and products. Among their responsibilities include understanding the company's needs, performing extensive research and analysis, coordinating with fellow engineers and experts, developing blueprints and prototypes, and creating test structures to be the basis for improvement. They may gather and analyze data from existing projects to identify their strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, as a configuration engineer, it is essential to monitor the progress of staff, all while implementing safety policies and standards.
Software engineers are responsible for coordinating the process of analyzing computer software programs. This process requires creating and implementing testing methods, documenting the test results, and providing recommendations for software improvements. They are also responsible for other tasks, including writing software testing procedures and creating testing scripts using different programming languages. A software engineer also collaborates with software developers and other staff members from the start and completion of a particular project. Having a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or information technology is needed to become a software engineer.
Configuration engineers and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Configuration Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $101,024 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $132,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | PayPal | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a configuration engineer and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Configuration Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between configuration engineers' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Configuration Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.6% Female, 19.4% | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% 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% |