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The differences between systems testers and senior systems analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a systems tester, becoming a senior systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems tester has an average salary of $95,834, which is higher than the $82,717 average annual salary of a senior systems analyst.
The top three skills for a systems tester include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a senior systems analyst are project management, java, and sql server.
| Systems Tester | Senior Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $95,834 | $82,717 |
| Hourly rate | $46.07 | $39.77 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 112,985 | 154,569 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
A senior systems analyst is responsible for analyzing IT systems and networks, modifying existing systems for better optimization, and designing efficient technology systems from clients' specifications and business needs. Senior systems analysts regularly inspect the performance of the system networks, ensuring its efficiency and accuracy to support daily operations. They perform troubleshooting, upgrade network infrastructures, and maintain the highest security of the database. A senior systems analyst must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry and a strong command of system languages to mitigate system complexities and improve network processes.
Systems testers and senior systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Tester | Senior Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $95,834 | $82,717 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $124,000 | Between $63,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Credit Karma |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a systems tester and a senior systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Systems Tester | Senior Systems Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems testers' and senior systems analysts' demographics:
| Systems Tester | Senior Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5% | Male, 72.2% Female, 27.8% |
| 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, 10.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.5% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |