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The differences between test specialists and specialists 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 specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a test specialist has an average salary of $76,761, which is higher than the $58,013 average annual salary of a specialist.
The top three skills for a test specialist include test results, test cases and java. The most important skills for a specialist are patients, customer service, and work ethic.
| Test Specialist | Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $76,761 | $58,013 |
| Hourly rate | $36.90 | $27.89 |
| Growth rate | - | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 58,423 | 358,433 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to. The actions or tasks they work on are related to their educational background or work experiences. They are usually highly skilled in specializations related to the work they are assigned to. Specialists are also highly trained on the competencies that are required of their specialty. As such, they are focused on the skills and competencies that are needed to enhance their experience in their specific field further.
Test specialists and specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Specialist | Specialist | |
| Average salary | $76,761 | $58,013 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $96,000 | Between $32,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | Columbia, MD | Jersey City, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Sony Interactive Entertainment America | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a test specialist and a specialist in terms of educational background:
| Test Specialist | Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between test specialists' and specialists' demographics:
| Test Specialist | Specialist | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% | Male, 47.5% Female, 52.5% |
| 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, 11.4% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 10.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |