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The differences between systems testers and senior systems software 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 systems tester and a senior systems software engineer. Additionally, a senior systems software engineer has an average salary of $122,275, which is higher than the $95,834 average annual salary of a systems tester.
The top three skills for a systems tester include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a senior systems software engineer are python, java, and software development.
| Systems Tester | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,834 | $122,275 |
| Hourly rate | $46.07 | $58.79 |
| Growth rate | - | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 112,985 | 359,248 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Systems testers and senior systems software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Tester | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,834 | $122,275 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $124,000 | Between $91,000 And $163,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Apple | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a systems tester and a senior systems software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Tester | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between systems testers' and senior systems software engineers' demographics:
| Systems Tester | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5% | Male, 85.5% Female, 14.5% |
| 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% |