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The differences between software applications engineers 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 software applications engineer and a software test engineer. Additionally, a software applications engineer has an average salary of $104,885, which is higher than the $85,338 average annual salary of a software test engineer.
The top three skills for a software applications engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Software Applications Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,885 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $50.43 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | 21% | - |
| Number of jobs | 325,329 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A software application engineer specializes in designing and developing software, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around meeting with clients to discuss their needs and preferences, coordinating with different engineers and specialists, installing and repairing systems, devising tests and execution structures, and conducting maintenance checks to ensure optimal performance. They may also improve existing software and provide customers with regular technical support. Furthermore, in a company setting, a software application engineer may have the task of producing progress reports, maintaining databases, and devising training programs for employees.
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.
Software applications engineers and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Applications Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,885 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $141,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a software applications engineer and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Applications Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between software applications engineers' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Software Applications Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.8% Female, 20.2% | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% 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% |