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The differences between systems testers and systems architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a systems architect has an average salary of $103,764, 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 systems architect are cloud, java, and python.
| Systems Tester | Systems Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $95,834 | $103,764 |
| Hourly rate | $46.07 | $49.89 |
| Growth rate | - | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 112,985 | 232,582 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 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 systems architect specializes in designing and developing computer networks and systems for company operations. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around conducting research and analysis to identify a company's needs, devising strategies to reach particular goals, improving existing systems, and implementing solutions for optimal processes. A systems architect must also monitor the progress of all implementations, prepare progress reports and presentations, provide technical support as needed, and train new workforce members, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations, including vision and mission.
Systems testers and systems architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Tester | Systems Architect | |
| Average salary | $95,834 | $103,764 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $124,000 | Between $76,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Airbnb |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a systems tester and a systems architect in terms of educational background:
| Systems Tester | Systems Architect | |
| 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 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between systems testers' and systems architects' demographics:
| Systems Tester | Systems Architect | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5% | Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8% |
| 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, 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% |