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The differences between system test engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a system test engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a system test engineer has an average salary of $100,751, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a system test engineer include python, test procedures and C++. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| System Test Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,751 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $48.44 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | - | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 131,653 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
System test engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| System Test Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,751 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $132,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Petaluma, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Meta | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a system test engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| System Test Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between system test engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| System Test Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| 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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 5% |