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The differences between firmware test 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 firmware test engineer and a software test engineer. Additionally, a software test engineer has an average salary of $85,338, which is higher than the $84,319 average annual salary of a firmware test engineer.
The top three skills for a firmware test engineer include python, firmware and test automation. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Firmware Test Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,319 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $40.54 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | 5% | - |
| Number of jobs | 25,699 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Firmware engineers are technical experts who work on programming various devices. They have extensive knowledge of coding and software development. Firmware engineers must understand several programming languages, with the specifics depending on their industry. Designing code and testing proper functionality are additional job responsibilities.
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.
Firmware test engineers and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Firmware Test Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $84,319 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $114,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a firmware test engineer and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Firmware Test Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between firmware test engineers' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Firmware Test Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8% | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% |
| 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% |