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The differences between test specialists and test & development 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 test & development engineer. Additionally, a test & development engineer has an average salary of $80,977, 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 test & development engineer are python, test equipment, and test development.
| Test Specialist | Test & Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,761 | $80,977 |
| Hourly rate | $36.90 | $38.93 |
| Growth rate | - | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 58,423 | 97,438 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 test and development engineer is primarily in charge of developing and conducting quality assurance procedures, ensuring that manufactured products adhere to the company's quality standards and regulations. Their responsibilities include performing research and analysis to identify a company's quality control and assurance needs, examining raw materials and other components, gathering and analyzing data from test procedures, and recommending the best practices and solutions in problem areas. Furthermore, as a test and development engineer, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating every step of the way.
Test specialists and test & development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Specialist | Test & Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,761 | $80,977 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $96,000 | Between $61,000 And $106,000 |
| Highest paying City | Columbia, MD | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Sony Interactive Entertainment America | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a test specialist and a test & development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Specialist | Test & Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between test specialists' and test & development engineers' demographics:
| Test Specialist | Test & Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% | Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6% |
| 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% |