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The differences between test developers and developer/consultants 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 a developer/consultant. Additionally, a developer/consultant has an average salary of $98,508, which is higher than the $92,711 average annual salary of a test developer.
The top three skills for a test developer include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a developer/consultant are java, project management, and javascript.
| Test Developer | Developer/Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $92,711 | $98,508 |
| Hourly rate | $44.57 | $47.36 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 259,893 | 257,985 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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.
A developer/consultant is responsible for developing system databases and applications, depending on the business' needs and clients' specifications. Developers/consultants design their services to manage optimal performance and maximize productivity for timely submission of projects, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty. They also handle clients' inquiries and concerns, informing them about necessary adjustments to improve strategic procedures and processes. A developer/consultant must have excellent communication and analytical skills, as well as extensive experience with the technology industry.
Test developers and developer/consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Developer | Developer/Consultant | |
| Average salary | $92,711 | $98,508 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $119,000 | Between $71,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a test developer and a developer/consultant in terms of educational background:
| Test Developer | Developer/Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between test developers' and developer/consultants' demographics:
| Test Developer | Developer/Consultant | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.0% Female, 36.0% | Male, 58.5% Female, 41.5% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |