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The differences between software test analysts 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 test analyst and a software test engineer. Additionally, a software test engineer has an average salary of $85,338, which is higher than the $78,713 average annual salary of a software test analyst.
The top three skills for a software test analyst include test scripts, test results and regression. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Software Test Analyst | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,713 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $37.84 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 94,928 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Software test analysts negotiate testing criteria, conduct tests, and report the data gathered from testing. They collaborate with customers and vendors to clarify use cases for the test products. They use this information to formulate testing protocols and to ensure software meets users' expectations.
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 test analysts and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Test Analyst | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $78,713 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $100,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | California |
| Best paying company | IDEXX | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a software test analyst and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Test Analyst | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between software test analysts' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Software Test Analyst | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.4% Female, 40.6% | 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% |