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The differences between software test engineers and software testers 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 engineer and a software tester. Additionally, a software test engineer has an average salary of $85,338, which is higher than the $78,580 average annual salary of a software tester.
The top three skills for a software test engineer include python, java and test automation. The most important skills for a software tester are test results, regression, and test scripts.
| Software Test Engineer | Software Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $85,338 | $78,580 |
| Hourly rate | $41.03 | $37.78 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 243,382 | 208,853 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
The responsibility of software testers involves the quality assurance of software development and deployment. Software testers conduct manual and automated tests to make sure that the software is developed for its purpose. They remove the issues and bugs within a product before deployment to users. Their responsibilities include software and systems analysis, risk mitigation, and software-related issue prevention. They should have skills in automation, programming, social networking, logical thinking, and mobile and web technology.
Software test engineers and software testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Test Engineer | Software Tester | |
| Average salary | $85,338 | $78,580 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $115,000 | Between $61,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Apple | Nordstrom |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software test engineer and a software tester in terms of educational background:
| Software Test Engineer | Software Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between software test engineers' and software testers' demographics:
| Software Test Engineer | Software Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% |
| 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% |