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The differences between software test engineers and system 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 engineer and a system test engineer. Additionally, a system test engineer has an average salary of $100,751, which is higher than the $85,338 average annual salary of a software test engineer.
The top three skills for a software test engineer include python, java and test automation. The most important skills for a system test engineer are python, test procedures, and C++.
| Software Test Engineer | System Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $85,338 | $100,751 |
| Hourly rate | $41.03 | $48.44 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 243,382 | 131,653 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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.
A system test engineer is responsible for performing diagnostic tests on computer systems and applications, measuring its performance and efficiency, and recommending technical solutions as needed. System test engineers assist in system configuration and network infrastructure, ensuring that the deliverables meet the business requirements and project specifications. They should have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages, to automate scripts for quality check methodologies. A system test engineer coordinates with the technology team in improving the user interface, including navigation and server stability.
Software test engineers and system test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Test Engineer | System Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $85,338 | $100,751 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $115,000 | Between $76,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | Petaluma, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Professional |
There are a few differences between a software test engineer and a system test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Test Engineer | System Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between software test engineers' and system test engineers' demographics:
| Software Test Engineer | System Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% |
| 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% |