Post job

Systems tester vs systems analyst

The differences between systems testers and 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 systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems tester has an average salary of $95,834, which is higher than the $75,383 average annual salary of a systems analyst.

The top three skills for a systems tester include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a systems analyst are customer service, project management, and troubleshoot.

Systems tester vs systems analyst overview

Systems TesterSystems Analyst
Yearly salary$95,834$75,383
Hourly rate$46.07$36.24
Growth rate-9%
Number of jobs112,985141,289
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4443
Years of experience46

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 systems analyst do?

A systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes. Other tasks include managing the system's workflow, diagnosing and detecting malfunctions, performing troubleshooting, and assisting clients' with their concerns. A systems analyst must have excellent command with programming languages and the knowledge with the technology industry to understand systems' complexities and processes.

Systems tester vs systems analyst salary

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

Systems TesterSystems Analyst
Average salary$95,834$75,383
Salary rangeBetween $73,000 And $124,000Between $58,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyAppleThe Citadel
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between systems tester and systems analyst education

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

Systems TesterSystems Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachStanford University

Systems tester vs systems analyst demographics

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

Systems TesterSystems Analyst
Average age4443
Gender ratioMale, 63.5% Female, 36.5%Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%
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, 10.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.4% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%8%

Differences between systems tester and systems 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

Systems analyst example responsibilities.

  • Manage AS400 operations teams and provide training / end-user support as scheduled.
  • Lead a team of two developers who create various GUI report parameter screens and associate reports.
  • Write scripts (shell, Perl, AutoIt) to automate administrative tasks, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery operations.
  • Manage ticket resolution of 250/300 per month, within SLA and root cause analysis and defects tie back to development.
  • Design and build radiology information systems, as well as led multiple conversions and create documentation to support technology and workflow.
  • Manage and implement VMware infrastructure.
  • Show more

Systems tester vs systems analyst skills

Common systems tester skills
  • Python, 12%
  • Java, 9%
  • C++, 7%
  • C #, 7%
  • Test Automation, 5%
  • Selenium, 4%
Common systems analyst skills
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Project Management, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
  • Java, 4%
  • C++, 4%
  • C #, 4%

Browse computer and mathematical jobs