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Staff test engineer vs tester

The differences between staff test engineers and 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 staff test engineer and a tester. Additionally, a staff test engineer has an average salary of $115,935, which is higher than the $65,202 average annual salary of a tester.

The top three skills for a staff test engineer include C++, data analysis and test results. The most important skills for a tester are java, test results, and web application.

Staff test engineer vs tester overview

Staff Test EngineerTester
Yearly salary$115,935$65,202
Hourly rate$55.74$31.35
Growth rate3%-
Number of jobs123,17652,595
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a staff test engineer do?

A staff test engineer is responsible for setting guidelines for a test plan. They also monitor technicians and other expert engineers. They frequently collaborate with other engineering staff to develop comprehensive testability requirements. They review and suggests testability modules.

What does a tester do?

The role of technical testers is to test computer software for defects, bug errors, or any issues that may come across by an end-user. They mainly conduct product testing and prepare reports about any problems or recommendations for improvements. Other responsibilities include reviewing test plans, assessing and analyzing product specifications and requirements, and mapping out testing strategy. Technical testers also frame the test environments or support network management staff and system administrators. Qualifications for this position include knowledge of the database or structured query language, proficiency in Linux commands, and proficiency in defect tracking tools.

Staff test engineer vs tester salary

Staff test engineers and testers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Staff Test EngineerTester
Average salary$115,935$65,202
Salary rangeBetween $87,000 And $153,000Between $42,000 And $99,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateOregonMaryland
Best paying companyGoogleApple
Best paying industryAutomotiveTelecommunication

Differences between staff test engineer and tester education

There are a few differences between a staff test engineer and a tester in terms of educational background:

Staff Test EngineerTester
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringComputer Science
Most common collegeNortheastern University-

Staff test engineer vs tester demographics

Here are the differences between staff test engineers' and testers' demographics:

Staff Test EngineerTester
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 83.6% Female, 16.4%Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage11%11%

Differences between staff test engineer and tester duties and responsibilities

Staff test engineer example responsibilities.

  • Construct and manage a complete VMware environment for testing multiple Openstack instances of different configurations.
  • Conduct subsystem / system level payload digital / rf testing of major communications satellite programs.
  • Log bugs find during test execution and determine root cause using Microsoft Windbg debugging tool.
  • Execute debugging and verify analog, digital test circuits using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzer, and logic analyzer.
  • Lead planning, design, implementation, and execution of RF performance/parametric, stability, and functional validation & verification activities.
  • Develop automated temperature-cycle calibrations for analog and digital transducers.
    • Show more

Tester example responsibilities.

  • Manage requirements and maintain test repository using QC.
  • Manage departmental inventory and troubleshoot testing, reporting and inventory issues.
  • Network scanning using tools like NMap and Nessus.
  • Perform unit testing using Junit for class, method, & web services testing.
  • Perform functionality testing, UI testing, integration testing, regression testing, system testing and browser compatibility testing.
  • Analyze new test cases or test cases from regression test suites store in ALM to pick the automation candidates.
    • Show more

Staff test engineer vs tester skills

Common staff test engineer skills
  • C++, 9%
  • Data Analysis, 8%
  • Test Results, 5%
  • RF, 5%
  • Test Equipment, 5%
  • Test Cases, 5%
Common tester skills
  • Java, 10%
  • Test Results, 5%
  • Web Application, 4%
  • Test Scripts, 4%
  • QA, 4%
  • Regression, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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