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The differences between systems testers and systems consultants 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 consultant takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems consultant has an average salary of $99,659, 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 consultant are infrastructure, project management, and C++.
| Systems Tester | Systems Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $95,834 | $99,659 |
| Hourly rate | $46.07 | $47.91 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 112,985 | 134,337 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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 consultant is responsible for advising on the design, plan, and installation of information technology systems for clients. You will analyze data of an organization, determine the requirements of an information system, and define project objectives. Other duties include providing recommendations on the appropriate software, hardware, and systems, designing and installing new software, and organizing and conducting training for end-users. You will also be responsible for preparing test plans and test scripts needed for system testing.
Systems testers and systems consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Tester | Systems Consultant | |
| Average salary | $95,834 | $99,659 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $124,000 | Between $74,000 And $134,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Internet |
There are a few differences between a systems tester and a systems consultant in terms of educational background:
| Systems Tester | Systems Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems testers' and systems consultants' demographics:
| Systems Tester | Systems Consultant | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5% | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% |
| 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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |