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The differences between systems testers and test analysts 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 test analyst. Additionally, a systems tester has an average salary of $95,834, which is higher than the $70,997 average annual salary of a test analyst.
The top three skills for a systems tester include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a test analyst are test scripts, test plan, and regression.
| Systems Tester | Test Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $95,834 | $70,997 |
| Hourly rate | $46.07 | $34.13 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 112,985 | 91,308 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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.
The duties of a test analyst depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a test analyst is responsible for testing computer software or hardware to ensure its quality before being released in the market. They participate in the development process to monitor the product specifications, review and analyze documentation, and create test systems, implementing them promptly and efficiently. As a test analyst, it is essential to produce progress reports, prepare presentations, and even give recommendations.
Systems testers and test analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Tester | Test Analyst | |
| Average salary | $95,834 | $70,997 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $124,000 | Between $56,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Apple | General Motors |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a systems tester and a test analyst in terms of educational background:
| Systems Tester | Test Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 test analysts' demographics:
| Systems Tester | Test Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5% | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% |
| 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% |