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The differences between software automation 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 automation engineer and a software test engineer. Additionally, a software automation engineer has an average salary of $102,812, which is higher than the $85,338 average annual salary of a software test engineer.
The top three skills for a software automation engineer include python, java and C #. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,812 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $49.43 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 229,709 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A software automation engineer specializes in designing and developing software and systems. In a company setting, it is their duty to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current systems and devices, conceptualize plans according to the company's needs, develop prototypes and test structures, and implement solutions against problem areas. They must also coordinate with software teams, provide technical support, and maintain extensive records. Furthermore, as a software automation engineer, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance checks, perform repairs and upgrades as needed.
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 automation engineers and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,812 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $138,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Netflix | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a software automation engineer and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | 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 automation engineers' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9% | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% |
| 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% |