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The differences between systems testers 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 systems tester and a software systems engineer. Additionally, a software systems engineer has an average salary of $107,102, 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 software systems engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Systems Tester | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,834 | $107,102 |
| Hourly rate | $46.07 | $51.49 |
| Growth rate | - | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 112,985 | 370,518 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 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.
Systems testers and software systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Tester | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,834 | $107,102 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $124,000 | Between $80,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a systems tester and a software systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Tester | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between systems testers' and software systems engineers' demographics:
| Systems Tester | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5% | 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% |