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The differences between test developers and software 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 software developer. Additionally, a test developer has an average salary of $92,711, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for a test developer include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Test Developer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,711 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $44.57 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 259,893 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Test developers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $92,711 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $119,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between a test developer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Test Developer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between test developers' and software developers' demographics:
| Test Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.0% Female, 36.0% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% 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% |