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The differences between test specialists and senior quality analysts 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 specialist and a senior quality analyst. Additionally, a senior quality analyst has an average salary of $89,722, 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 a senior quality analyst are data analysis, test cases, and QA.
| Test Specialist | Senior Quality Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $76,761 | $89,722 |
| Hourly rate | $36.90 | $43.14 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 58,423 | 126,363 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 senior quality assurance analyst specializes in inspecting and assessing the quality of software and systems in a company, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include developing specific test structures, coordinating with different departments to gather data, troubleshooting, and studying client complaints to prevent issues from happening again. They may also perform regular maintenance checks, recommending solutions as needed. Furthermore, as a senior quality assurance analyst, it is essential to lead the quality assurance efforts on systems, all while serving as a mentor and role model to junior analysts.
Test specialists and senior quality analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Specialist | Senior Quality Analyst | |
| Average salary | $76,761 | $89,722 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $96,000 | Between $71,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | Columbia, MD | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Sony Interactive Entertainment America | |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a test specialist and a senior quality analyst in terms of educational background:
| Test Specialist | Senior Quality Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between test specialists' and senior quality analysts' demographics:
| Test Specialist | Senior Quality Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% | Male, 42.8% Female, 57.2% |
| 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, 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% |