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Systems tester vs business analyst

The differences between systems testers and business analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a systems tester and a business analyst. Additionally, a systems tester has an average salary of $95,834, which is higher than the $74,431 average annual salary of a business analyst.

The top three skills for a systems tester include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a business analyst are project management, data analysis, and business analysis.

Systems tester vs business analyst overview

Systems TesterBusiness Analyst
Yearly salary$95,834$74,431
Hourly rate$46.07$35.78
Growth rate-9%
Number of jobs112,985170,514
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a systems tester do?

A systems tester is an information technology expert who specializes in developing test structures to identify the strengths and weaknesses of systems and software. They primarily work to identify and eliminate bugs to ensure quality and client satisfaction. They may also perform clerical tasks such as preparing reports and findings. Furthermore, as a systems tester, it is essential to recommend solutions against problem areas, all while adhering to the project's budgets and the company's policies and regulations.

What does a business analyst do?

Business analysts are employees who are responsible for interpreting business data and coming up with business solutions. They are well-versed in whatever business the company is in, and they have strong business acumen. They collect data related to the business and then interpret and analyze the data. Business analysts should be able to conduct different levels of analyses and must also be able to create a sound study. Once the analysis is done, they provide recommendations or strategic direction to decision-makers that will help the business become sustainable and grow.

Systems tester vs business analyst salary

Systems testers and business analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Systems TesterBusiness Analyst
Average salary$95,834$74,431
Salary rangeBetween $73,000 And $124,000Between $53,000 And $103,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAMountain View, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyAppleThe Citadel
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between systems tester and business analyst education

There are a few differences between a systems tester and a business analyst in terms of educational background:

Systems TesterBusiness Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorComputer ScienceBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachStanford University

Systems tester vs business analyst demographics

Here are the differences between systems testers' and business analysts' demographics:

Systems TesterBusiness Analyst
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 63.5% Female, 36.5%Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1%
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 systems tester and business analyst duties and responsibilities

Systems tester example responsibilities.

  • Orchestrate efforts with test leads in hardware, firmware, OS and application labs to optimize program-wide system testing costs.
  • Develop web page for achieving documentation and developing a multiple user interface with JavaScript and Perl.
  • Used Perl to implement new library API, which allow communication with different types of controllers.
  • Build continuous integration system using Jenkins for internal team usage for nightly builds, sanity and regression testing.
  • Own the automation test suites for both API and UI testing, updating test suites for product changes each sprint.
  • Develop test scenarios, test cases and EDI Unix files, as well as their GUI counterparts for test execution.
  • Show more

Business analyst example responsibilities.

  • Lead the implementation of a web-base application in an UNIX environment for an organization that manages pharmacy claims data.
  • Lead CRP sessions during implementation, design and testing.
  • Manage the resolution of forty plus software issues with PeopleSoft's design and development teams.
  • Used ALM as the requirements management tool to capture, prioritize, and manage requirements.
  • Complete updated version of website and provide CMS system to internal staff to manage website content.
  • Manage PeopleSoft security audits, end-user support for security issues, and security changes to role and permission lists.
  • Show more

Systems tester vs business analyst skills

Common systems tester skills
  • Python, 12%
  • Java, 9%
  • C++, 7%
  • C #, 7%
  • Test Automation, 5%
  • Selenium, 4%
Common business analyst skills
  • Project Management, 7%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Business Analysis, 6%
  • User Stories, 5%
  • User Acceptance, 4%
  • Test Cases, 3%

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