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The differences between test & development engineers and testers 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 & development engineer and a tester. Additionally, a test & development engineer has an average salary of $80,977, which is higher than the $65,202 average annual salary of a tester.
The top three skills for a test & development engineer include python, test equipment and test development. The most important skills for a tester are java, test results, and web application.
| Test & Development Engineer | Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $80,977 | $65,202 |
| Hourly rate | $38.93 | $31.35 |
| Growth rate | 3% | - |
| Number of jobs | 97,438 | 52,595 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A test and development engineer is primarily in charge of developing and conducting quality assurance procedures, ensuring that manufactured products adhere to the company's quality standards and regulations. Their responsibilities include performing research and analysis to identify a company's quality control and assurance needs, examining raw materials and other components, gathering and analyzing data from test procedures, and recommending the best practices and solutions in problem areas. Furthermore, as a test and development engineer, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating every step of the way.
The role of technical testers is to test computer software for defects, bug errors, or any issues that may come across by an end-user. They mainly conduct product testing and prepare reports about any problems or recommendations for improvements. Other responsibilities include reviewing test plans, assessing and analyzing product specifications and requirements, and mapping out testing strategy. Technical testers also frame the test environments or support network management staff and system administrators. Qualifications for this position include knowledge of the database or structured query language, proficiency in Linux commands, and proficiency in defect tracking tools.
Test & development engineers and testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test & Development Engineer | Tester | |
| Average salary | $80,977 | $65,202 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $106,000 | Between $42,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a test & development engineer and a tester in terms of educational background:
| Test & Development Engineer | Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between test & development engineers' and testers' demographics:
| Test & Development Engineer | Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6% | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |