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The differences between software engineering specialists 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 engineering specialist and a software test engineer. Additionally, a software engineering specialist has an average salary of $104,819, which is higher than the $85,338 average annual salary of a software test engineer.
The top three skills for a software engineering specialist include java, software development and python. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Software Engineering Specialist | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,819 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $50.39 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | 21% | - |
| Number of jobs | 260,865 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A software engineering specialist designs and develops software engineering components. Moreover, they evaluate technical architecture and framework. They conduct tests on software and carry out any updates that are needed. Strong teamwork and communication skills are necessary for this position.
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 engineering specialists and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Engineering Specialist | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,819 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $133,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Media | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a software engineering specialist and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Engineering Specialist | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | 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 engineering specialists' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Software Engineering Specialist | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5% | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% 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% |