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The differences between test developers and applications developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a test developer and an applications developer. Additionally, a test developer has an average salary of $92,711, which is higher than the $89,205 average annual salary of an applications developer.
The top three skills for a test developer include python, java and C++. The most important skills for an applications developer are java, javascript, and C++.
| Test Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,711 | $89,205 |
| Hourly rate | $44.57 | $42.89 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 259,893 | 279,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The job of a Test Developer is to write the codes for and implement the programs that automatically test software for any bugs whatsoever. He/She uses QC to track bugs and create reports and designs, as well as implements javascript validations. At the same time, as a test developer, you will be required to implement several design patterns and API to facilitate performance for the standardization of codes. In essence, as a Test Developer, you will be responsible for running tests on all production units to ensure a high-quality product and to check for defects that require change.
An application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs. Duties of an application developer also include running diagnostic tests to ensure the application's performance and stability, providing instruction manuals for reference, performing troubleshooting for any inconsistencies, upgrading design codes for optimization, and launching the application following the client's timetable.
Test developers and applications developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Average salary | $92,711 | $89,205 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $119,000 | Between $67,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between a test developer and an applications developer in terms of educational background:
| Test Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | 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 test developers' and applications developers' demographics:
| Test Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.0% Female, 36.0% | Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |