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The differences between systems engineers and system test engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a systems engineer, becoming a system test engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a system test engineer has an average salary of $100,751, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.
The top three skills for a systems engineer include python, linux and C++. The most important skills for a system test engineer are python, test procedures, and C++.
| Systems Engineer | System Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,834 | $100,751 |
| Hourly rate | $39.82 | $48.44 |
| Growth rate | 21% | - |
| Number of jobs | 145,936 | 131,653 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
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.
Systems engineers and system test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Engineer | System Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,834 | $100,751 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $109,000 | Between $76,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Petaluma, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Nevada |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Professional |
There are a few differences between a systems engineer and a system test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Engineer | System Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between systems engineers' and system test engineers' demographics:
| Systems Engineer | System Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 Percentage | 8% | 11% |