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The differences between test developers and systems developers 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 developer, becoming a systems developer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems developer has an average salary of $97,230, 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 systems developer are java, python, and C++.
| Test Developer | Systems Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,711 | $97,230 |
| Hourly rate | $44.57 | $46.75 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 259,893 | 322,419 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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 Systems Developer is responsible for designing and creating software applications and server programs to support business requirements and client specifications. System Developers run multiple diagnostic tests to the systems to ensure performance and stability and revise scripts for optimization as needed. They also evaluate and improve existing networks, develop infrastructure, and set configuration. A Systems Developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to identify network structures and operating systems.
Test developers and systems developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Developer | Systems Developer | |
| Average salary | $92,711 | $97,230 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $119,000 | Between $73,000 And $129,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a test developer and a systems developer in terms of educational background:
| Test Developer | Systems Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 systems developers' demographics:
| Test Developer | Systems Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.0% Female, 36.0% | Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5% |
| 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, 10.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 16.6% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |