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The differences between functional testers 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 functional tester and a software test engineer. Additionally, a software test engineer has an average salary of $85,338, which is higher than the $76,647 average annual salary of a functional tester.
The top three skills for a functional tester include java, test cases and web application. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Functional Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,647 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $36.85 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 37,146 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A functional tester's main responsibility is to validate the behavior of an application and analyzed the requirements of the clients. They are skilled in Java and database design for software development. The tasks they do are complex, including scanning IDs of the receiver and serial numbers on each unit, testing the units to make sure they work properly, and checking for any defects and damages. They are also trained in using numerical codes for passing or failing each unit and writing serial numbers on the production tracker.
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.
Functional testers and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Functional Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,647 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $94,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bellevue, WA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Cerner | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a functional tester and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Functional Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between functional testers' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Functional Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.3% Female, 34.7% | 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% |