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The differences between quality assurance specialists 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 quality assurance specialist and a tester. Additionally, a tester has an average salary of $65,202, which is higher than the $63,443 average annual salary of a quality assurance specialist.
The top three skills for a quality assurance specialist include GMP, patients and FDA. The most important skills for a tester are java, test results, and web application.
| Quality Assurance Specialist | Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $63,443 | $65,202 |
| Hourly rate | $30.50 | $31.35 |
| Growth rate | 6% | - |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 52,595 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A quality assurance specialist is an individual who is responsible for monitoring, inspecting, and proposing measures to correct and improve a company's product. Quality assurance specialists need to outline quality assurance policies and procedures, making sure that quality standards are assured. It is important that a quality assurance specialist should have strong attention to detail and is excellent in data collection. This work may require a minimum of bachelor's degree and certification to get certified.
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.
Quality assurance specialists and testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Assurance Specialist | Tester | |
| Average salary | $63,443 | $65,202 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $97,000 | Between $42,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a quality assurance specialist and a tester in terms of educational background:
| Quality Assurance Specialist | Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between quality assurance specialists' and testers' demographics:
| Quality Assurance Specialist | Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.8% Female, 57.2% | 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% |