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The differences between plans examiners and testers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a plans examiner, becoming a tester takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a tester has an average salary of $65,202, which is higher than the $59,697 average annual salary of a plans examiner.
The top three skills for a plans examiner include plumbing, customer service and life safety. The most important skills for a tester are java, test results, and web application.
| Plans Examiner | Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $59,697 | $65,202 |
| Hourly rate | $28.70 | $31.35 |
| Growth rate | -4% | - |
| Number of jobs | 4,018 | 52,595 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 50 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A plans examiner is typically in charge of evaluating construction or work plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and zoning ordinances. Their responsibilities revolve around gathering and reviewing applications and documentation, verifying the accuracy and authenticity of requirements, and assuring that they adhere to the safety policies and standards. Furthermore, as a plans examiner, it is essential to liaise with clients and other officials, maintain records of all transactions, and provide advice on whether the applications are suitable for permits.
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.
Plans examiners and testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plans Examiner | Tester | |
| Average salary | $59,697 | $65,202 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $85,000 | Between $42,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairfield, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Icma-rc | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Government | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a plans examiner and a tester in terms of educational background:
| Plans Examiner | Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Architecture | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | - |
Here are the differences between plans examiners' and testers' demographics:
| Plans Examiner | Tester | |
| Average age | 50 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.7% Female, 26.3% | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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 | 5% | 11% |