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The differences between software testers and software analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a software tester, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software tester has an average salary of $78,580, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a software tester include test results, regression and test scripts. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Software Tester | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $78,580 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $37.78 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 208,853 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.
Software testers and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Tester | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $78,580 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $100,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sunnyvale, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Nordstrom | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a software tester and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Software Tester | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software testers' and software analysts' demographics:
| Software Tester | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| 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, 10.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 17.2% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |