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The differences between test specialists and generalists 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 a generalist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a test specialist has an average salary of $76,761, which is higher than the $46,518 average annual salary of a generalist.
The top three skills for a test specialist include test results, test cases and java. The most important skills for a generalist are sales floor, store sales, and customer loyalty.
| Test Specialist | Generalist | |
| Yearly salary | $76,761 | $46,518 |
| Hourly rate | $36.90 | $22.36 |
| Growth rate | - | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 58,423 | 8,585 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| 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.
A generalist, also known as a human resource generalist, is responsible for overseeing the operations in a human resource department, focusing on employees' welfare and working conditions. They are primarily involved in the hiring and laying off processes among employees, handing training and benefits programs, and coordinating with every department in the company. Furthermore, a generalist must perform administrative tasks that mostly revolve around producing reports and processing paperwork, conducting research and analysis, and responding to correspondence.
Test specialists and generalists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Specialist | Generalist | |
| Average salary | $76,761 | $46,518 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $96,000 | Between $29,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | Columbia, MD | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Sony Interactive Entertainment America | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a test specialist and a generalist in terms of educational background:
| Test Specialist | Generalist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between test specialists' and generalists' demographics:
| Test Specialist | Generalist | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% | Male, 37.8% Female, 62.2% |
| 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, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 18% |