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The differences between test specialists and engineering systems analysts 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 specialist, becoming an engineering systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an engineering systems analyst has an average salary of $89,433, which is higher than the $76,761 average annual salary of a test specialist.
The top three skills for a test specialist include test results, test cases and java. The most important skills for an engineering systems analyst are MATLAB, data analysis, and C++.
| Test Specialist | Engineering Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $76,761 | $89,433 |
| Hourly rate | $36.90 | $43.00 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 58,423 | 192,726 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A test specialist is responsible for evaluating and running diagnostic tests for system networks and applications to ensure stability and efficiency according to the quality standards. Test specialists analyze the system's features and write findings reports for improvement and technical resolutions. They also help system engineers in developing infrastructures and designing servers to support business operations and maximize productivity. A test specialist must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in identifying malfunctions and inconsistencies before the actual launch of deliverables.
Engineering Systems Analysts are responsible for examining, designing, and managing IT architecture and systems to improve business productivity and efficiency. Their duties include liaising with external and internal clients, conducting analysis on clients' business and IT systems models, creating project briefs, preparing proposals, developing costing reports and project feasibility, and identifying potential solutions. Engineering Systems Analyst also participates in project budgeting, scheduling document testings, overseeing data migration, supporting system updates, and working with testers and developers to ensure user satisfaction and technical compatibility. They help in implementing user manuals and training for new users. They must keep abreast with industry regulations and technical requirements.
Test specialists and engineering systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Specialist | Engineering Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $76,761 | $89,433 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $96,000 | Between $67,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | Columbia, MD | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Sony Interactive Entertainment America | Parsons |
| Best paying industry | - | Professional |
There are a few differences between a test specialist and an engineering systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Test Specialist | Engineering Systems Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between test specialists' and engineering systems analysts' demographics:
| Test Specialist | Engineering Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.6% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |