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The differences between systems testers and software test 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 test engineer. Additionally, a systems tester has an average salary of $95,834, which is higher than the $85,338 average annual salary of a software test engineer.
The top three skills for a systems tester include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Systems Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,834 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $46.07 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 112,985 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| 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.
Software engineers are responsible for coordinating the process of analyzing computer software programs. This process requires creating and implementing testing methods, documenting the test results, and providing recommendations for software improvements. They are also responsible for other tasks, including writing software testing procedures and creating testing scripts using different programming languages. A software engineer also collaborates with software developers and other staff members from the start and completion of a particular project. Having a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or information technology is needed to become a software engineer.
Systems testers and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,834 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $124,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a systems tester and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 software test engineers' demographics:
| Systems Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5% | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% |
| 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, 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 | 11% | 11% |