Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between firmware test engineers 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 a firmware test engineer and a tester. Additionally, a firmware test engineer has an average salary of $84,319, which is higher than the $65,202 average annual salary of a tester.
The top three skills for a firmware test engineer include python, firmware and test automation. The most important skills for a tester are java, test results, and web application.
| Firmware Test Engineer | Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $84,319 | $65,202 |
| Hourly rate | $40.54 | $31.35 |
| Growth rate | 5% | - |
| Number of jobs | 25,699 | 52,595 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| 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.
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.
Firmware test engineers and testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Firmware Test Engineer | Tester | |
| Average salary | $84,319 | $65,202 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $114,000 | Between $42,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a firmware test engineer and a tester in terms of educational background:
| Firmware Test Engineer | Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | - |
Here are the differences between firmware test engineers' and testers' demographics:
| Firmware Test Engineer | Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8% | 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% |