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The differences between test analysts and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a test analyst, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a test analyst has an average salary of $70,997, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a test analyst include test scripts, test plan and regression. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Test Analyst | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $70,997 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $34.13 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | - | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 91,308 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Test analysts and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Analyst | Technician | |
| Average salary | $70,997 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $88,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | General Motors | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a test analyst and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Test Analyst | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between test analysts' and technicians' demographics:
| Test Analyst | Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 2% |