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The differences between system test engineers and senior 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 a senior engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior engineer has an average salary of $108,743, which is higher than the $100,751 average annual salary of a system test engineer.
The top three skills for a system test engineer include python, test procedures and C++. The most important skills for a senior engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| System Test Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,751 | $108,743 |
| Hourly rate | $48.44 | $52.28 |
| Growth rate | - | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 131,653 | 343,200 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
A senior engineer is responsible for overseeing all operations within a designated area. With years of experience and expertise, a senior engineer may take charge of establishing goals, deadlines, and budgets for a particular project. They must devise and implement strategies that would improve the quality of workflow and deliver significant results. Furthermore, a senior manager must also supervise a team of skilled engineers, leading them in the joint effort to reach the company's vision and mission, all while adhering to the safety standards and regulations.
System test engineers and senior engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| System Test Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,751 | $108,743 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $132,000 | Between $82,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | Petaluma, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a system test engineer and a senior engineer in terms of educational background:
| System Test Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between system test engineers' and senior engineers' demographics:
| System Test Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 5% |