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The differences between performance testers 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 performance tester and a tester. Additionally, a performance tester has an average salary of $88,120, which is higher than the $65,202 average annual salary of a tester.
The top three skills for a performance tester include test results, java and web services. The most important skills for a tester are java, test results, and web application.
| Performance Tester | Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $88,120 | $65,202 |
| Hourly rate | $42.37 | $31.35 |
| Growth rate | 11% | - |
| Number of jobs | 35,277 | 52,595 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A performance tester is an industrial worker who identifies the stability, scalability, speed, and responsiveness of non-functional software in a given workload. The performance testers make sure that an application's critical components are performing well. They assess resource usage and other quality attributes, preparing it for production. Among the skills necessary to land this job are analytical, attention to detail, communication, and critical thinking.
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.
Performance testers and testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Performance Tester | Tester | |
| Average salary | $88,120 | $65,202 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $112,000 | Between $42,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Populus Group | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a performance tester and a tester in terms of educational background:
| Performance Tester | Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between performance testers' and testers' demographics:
| Performance Tester | Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.5% Female, 29.5% | 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% |