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The differences between drive test engineers and software test engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a drive test engineer, becoming a software test engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software test engineer has an average salary of $85,338, which is higher than the $76,872 average annual salary of a drive test engineer.
The top three skills for a drive test engineer include data collection, GPS and pre. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Drive Test Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,872 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $36.96 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | 3% | - |
| Number of jobs | 36,537 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 45 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
For cars and other automobiles' best performance, drive test engineers can be asked for suggestions. From their expertise, one can ensure that the chosen car is equipped with the necessary accessories such as GPS, Bluetooth hubs, an air conditioner, locks, and USB ports. They train and teach people how to drive safely, following road laws and protocols. They monitor for enhancements and provide reports to stakeholders and managers for its application. They can troubleshoot minor software problems in automobiles.
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.
Drive test engineers and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Drive Test Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,872 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $103,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a drive test engineer and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Drive Test Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between drive test engineers' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Drive Test Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 15.9% White, 63.1% 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 | 6% | 11% |