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The differences between systems testers and systems engineers 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 engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a systems tester has an average salary of $95,834, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.
The top three skills for a systems tester include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Systems Tester | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,834 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $46.07 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | - | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 112,985 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Systems testers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Tester | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,834 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $124,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a systems tester and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Tester | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between systems testers' and systems engineers' demographics:
| Systems Tester | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |