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The differences between senior software application engineers and senior 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 senior software application engineer and a senior test engineer. Additionally, a senior software application engineer has an average salary of $117,345, which is higher than the $82,775 average annual salary of a senior test engineer.
The top three skills for a senior software application engineer include java, python and architecture. The most important skills for a senior test engineer are test cases, python, and java.
| Senior Software Application Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $117,345 | $82,775 |
| Hourly rate | $56.42 | $39.80 |
| Growth rate | 21% | - |
| Number of jobs | 323,172 | 245,814 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Senior software application engineers usually take the lead in software development-related projects. Proficiency in the Phyton, Java, and JavaScript programming languages is an advantage to succeed in the workplace. The engineers' duties and responsibilities include identifying the needs of the organization, planning for the development of a software solution, and analyzing the data collected during the software testing phase. The core skills that these engineers should possess include creativity and strong analytical and communication skills.
A senior test engineer is an individual who is responsible for developing and implementing cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting computer systems and equipment. Senior test engineers must assist junior engineers in developing test plans and conducting testing activities on complex systems to meet program requirements. They aid in the areas of predictability, manufacturing processing, and improvement in the equipment and process. Senior test engineers must also develop proposal inputs and reviews documents generated by junior engineers.
Senior software application engineers and senior test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Software Application Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $117,345 | $82,775 |
| Salary range | Between $89,000 And $153,000 | Between $63,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | ||
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a senior software application engineer and a senior test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Software Application Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between senior software application engineers' and senior test engineers' demographics:
| Senior Software Application Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 8% | 11% |