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The differences between test specialists and technical testing 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 technical testing engineer. Additionally, a technical testing engineer has an average salary of $88,367, 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 technical testing engineer are test results, schematics, and test procedures.
| Test Specialist | Technical Testing Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,761 | $88,367 |
| Hourly rate | $36.90 | $42.48 |
| Growth rate | - | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 58,423 | 100,815 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| 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 technical testing engineer is responsible for inspecting and reporting the quality of products across the production cycle. You will thoroughly check procedures, materials, and electrical and mechanical systems to produce high-quality products for customers. Your main job is to test various components and features of the product to identify and resolve technical issues. Other duties include organizing and conducting training for junior team members, creating test environments, and identifying the root cause of technical issues.
Test specialists and technical testing engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Specialist | Technical Testing Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,761 | $88,367 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $96,000 | Between $62,000 And $125,000 |
| Highest paying City | Columbia, MD | Issaquah, WA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Washington |
| Best paying company | Sony Interactive Entertainment America | Western Digital |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a test specialist and a technical testing engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Specialist | Technical Testing Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between test specialists' and technical testing engineers' demographics:
| Test Specialist | Technical Testing Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% |
| 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, 4.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 11.8% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 4% |