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The differences between test specialists and 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 test engineer. Additionally, a test engineer has an average salary of $79,832, 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 engineer are python, C++, and C #.
| Test Specialist | Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,761 | $79,832 |
| Hourly rate | $36.90 | $38.38 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 58,423 | 228,974 |
| 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.
Test engineers are professionals who observe and record the quality of products, which includes functionality, durability, speed, and safety. They are responsible for checking the materials and procedures thoroughly throughout the production cycle. It is their duty to run tests on different criteria to identify and fix technical issues. They analyze reactions to determine the causes of malfunctions and recommend potential improvements. Moreover, they test products before they are launched to ensure customers get high-quality and functional products.
Test specialists and test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Specialist | Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,761 | $79,832 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $96,000 | Between $60,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | Columbia, MD | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Sony Interactive Entertainment America | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a test specialist and a test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Specialist | Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between test specialists' and test engineers' demographics:
| Test Specialist | Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% |
| 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, 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% |