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The differences between software 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 engineer and a software test engineer. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, which is higher than the $85,338 average annual salary of a software test engineer.
The top three skills for a software engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Software Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,260 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $48.20 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | 21% | - |
| Number of jobs | 339,938 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
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 engineers and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,260 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $136,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Bruno, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a software engineer and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software 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 engineers' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Software Engineer | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% 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% |