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The differences between system test engineers and software systems 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 system test engineer and a software systems engineer. Additionally, a software systems engineer has an average salary of $107,102, 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 software systems engineer are java, python, and software development.
| System Test Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,751 | $107,102 |
| Hourly rate | $48.44 | $51.49 |
| Growth rate | - | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 131,653 | 370,518 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
System test engineers and software systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| System Test Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,751 | $107,102 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $132,000 | Between $80,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Petaluma, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a system test engineer and a software systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| System Test Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between system test engineers' and software systems engineers' demographics:
| System Test Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |