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Test developer vs project developer

The differences between test developers and project 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 a project developer. Additionally, a test developer has an average salary of $92,711, which is higher than the $89,766 average annual salary of a project developer.

The top three skills for a test developer include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a project developer are project development, renewable energy, and project management.

Test developer vs project developer overview

Test DeveloperProject Developer
Yearly salary$92,711$89,766
Hourly rate$44.57$43.16
Growth rate21%21%
Number of jobs259,893303,850
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age3939
Years of experience44

What does a test developer do?

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.

What does a project developer do?

Project developers research aspects of each project to check that it follows all regulations and to complete the project on time and under the budget. They are responsible for overseeing various projects for their companies. They staff the project and make necessary purchases. Staffing could include hiring contractors and hiring new employees for the company. Their tasks are to report and resolve issues blocking work on project elements, develop project timeline and milestones with mitigation planning, and establish critical requirements of a project through stakeholder assessment.

Test developer vs project developer salary

Test developers and project developers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Test DeveloperProject Developer
Average salary$92,711$89,766
Salary rangeBetween $72,000 And $119,000Between $67,000 And $119,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyMayo ClinicAmazon
Best paying industryAutomotiveHospitality

Differences between test developer and project developer education

There are a few differences between a test developer and a project developer in terms of educational background:

Test DeveloperProject Developer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorComputer ScienceBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachStanford University

Test developer vs project developer demographics

Here are the differences between test developers' and project developers' demographics:

Test DeveloperProject Developer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 64.0% Female, 36.0%Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
Race ratioBlack 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between test developer and project developer duties and responsibilities

Test developer example responsibilities.

  • Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
  • Develop keyword and data-driven framework using Java for automate test scripts.
  • Design and develop UNIX scripts and used AUTOSYS for job scheduling.
  • Insert GUI, bitmap and text checkpoints in QTP script for validations.
  • Automate running of batch processes that involve UNIX command and shell script execution.
  • Implement API and various design patterns to improve the performance to standardize the code.
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Project developer example responsibilities.

  • Develop detailed Unix shell and Perl scripts to automate complex but repetitive configuration management operations in ClearCase.
  • Fix existing bugs, including image polishing using Photoshop, CSS issues and JavaScript browser compatibility issues.
  • Handle JavaScript for validation of forms (and contents) and URL base redirection of pages.
  • Optimize and fine tune complex PL/SQL packages, SQL queries using TKPROF and other SQL tuning techniques.
  • Used JIRA to keep track of outstanding bugs to reduce downtime, increase productivity, and improve communication.
  • Used ASP.NET MVC with combination of AngularJS to do the web stuff and also bootstrap for responsive web design.
  • Show more

Test developer vs project developer skills

Common test developer skills
  • Python, 8%
  • Java, 8%
  • C++, 5%
  • C #, 5%
  • Scrum, 4%
  • Test Scripts, 4%
Common project developer skills
  • Project Development, 13%
  • Renewable Energy, 12%
  • Project Management, 12%
  • HVAC, 5%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • C++, 4%

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