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The differences between test specialists and test 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 test analyst. Additionally, a test specialist has an average salary of $76,761, which is higher than the $70,997 average annual salary of a test analyst.
The top three skills for a test specialist include test results, test cases and java. The most important skills for a test analyst are test scripts, test plan, and regression.
| Test Specialist | Test Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $76,761 | $70,997 |
| Hourly rate | $36.90 | $34.13 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 58,423 | 91,308 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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.
The duties of a test analyst depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a test analyst is responsible for testing computer software or hardware to ensure its quality before being released in the market. They participate in the development process to monitor the product specifications, review and analyze documentation, and create test systems, implementing them promptly and efficiently. As a test analyst, it is essential to produce progress reports, prepare presentations, and even give recommendations.
Test specialists and test analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Specialist | Test Analyst | |
| Average salary | $76,761 | $70,997 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $96,000 | Between $56,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Columbia, MD | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Sony Interactive Entertainment America | General Motors |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a test specialist and a test analyst in terms of educational background:
| Test Specialist | Test Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between test specialists' and test analysts' demographics:
| Test Specialist | Test Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% |
| 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% |