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The differences between test developers and web application 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 web application developer. Additionally, a test developer has an average salary of $92,711, which is higher than the $85,840 average annual salary of a web application developer.
The top three skills for a test developer include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a web application developer are javascript, web application, and CSS.
| Test Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,711 | $85,840 |
| Hourly rate | $44.57 | $41.27 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 13% |
| Number of jobs | 259,893 | 229,802 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 37 |
| 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 web application developer is responsible for designing website and system applications following clients' specifications and business' needs. Web application developers utilize their expertise in programming languages and system codes, ensuring the efficiency and smooth navigation of the website. They also run multiple diagnostic tests on the output before release, identifying inconsistencies, and addressing incompatibilities on browsers and devices. A web application developer should be detail-oriented and highly-technical as this job requires excellent digital knowledge to manage complex systems.
Test developers and web application developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Average salary | $92,711 | $85,840 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $119,000 | Between $66,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Fairfield, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between a test developer and a web application developer in terms of educational background:
| Test Developer | Web Application 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 web application developers' demographics:
| Test Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.0% Female, 36.0% | Male, 80.9% Female, 19.1% |
| 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, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 16.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |