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The differences between test 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 engineer and a tester. Additionally, a test engineer has an average salary of $79,832, which is higher than the $65,202 average annual salary of a tester.
The top three skills for a test engineer include python, C++ and C #. The most important skills for a tester are java, test results, and web application.
| Test Engineer | Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $79,832 | $65,202 |
| Hourly rate | $38.38 | $31.35 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 228,974 | 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 |
Test engineers are professionals who observe and record the quality of products, which includes functionality, durability, speed, and safety. They are responsible for checking the materials and procedures thoroughly throughout the production cycle. It is their duty to run tests on different criteria to identify and fix technical issues. They analyze reactions to determine the causes of malfunctions and recommend potential improvements. Moreover, they test products before they are launched to ensure customers get high-quality and functional products.
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 engineers and testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Engineer | Tester | |
| Average salary | $79,832 | $65,202 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $104,000 | 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 | Telecommunication | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a test engineer and a tester in terms of educational background:
| Test Engineer | Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | - |
Here are the differences between test engineers' and testers' demographics:
| Test Engineer | Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% | 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% |