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The differences between test specialists and senior test engineers 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 test engineer. Additionally, a senior test engineer has an average salary of $82,775, 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 test engineer are test cases, python, and java.
| Test Specialist | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,761 | $82,775 |
| Hourly rate | $36.90 | $39.80 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 58,423 | 245,814 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 test engineer is an individual who is responsible for developing and implementing cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting computer systems and equipment. Senior test engineers must assist junior engineers in developing test plans and conducting testing activities on complex systems to meet program requirements. They aid in the areas of predictability, manufacturing processing, and improvement in the equipment and process. Senior test engineers must also develop proposal inputs and reviews documents generated by junior engineers.
Test specialists and senior test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Specialist | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,761 | $82,775 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $96,000 | Between $63,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | Columbia, MD | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Sony Interactive Entertainment America | |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a test specialist and a senior test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Specialist | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between test specialists' and senior test engineers' demographics:
| Test Specialist | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% |
| 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% |