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The differences between test technicians and engineering systems analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a test technician, becoming an engineering systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an engineering systems analyst has an average salary of $89,433, which is higher than the $43,171 average annual salary of a test technician.
The top three skills for a test technician include test procedures, test results and hand tools. The most important skills for an engineering systems analyst are MATLAB, data analysis, and C++.
| Test Technician | Engineering Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $43,171 | $89,433 |
| Hourly rate | $20.76 | $43.00 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 71,414 | 192,726 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 50 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
A test technician is responsible for running multiple diagnostic tests on various tools and equipment to boost optimization and ensure its efficient performance on operations. Test technicians inspect system components and manage calibration, following clients' specifications or the business' needs. A test technician also analyzes the system's design processes and features to understand its complexities and identify necessary upgrades. Test technicians keep a record of system issues and resolutions for reference. A test technician must have excellent knowledge of the technical and mechanical industry to perform tasks and achieve the highest customer satisfaction.
Engineering Systems Analysts are responsible for examining, designing, and managing IT architecture and systems to improve business productivity and efficiency. Their duties include liaising with external and internal clients, conducting analysis on clients' business and IT systems models, creating project briefs, preparing proposals, developing costing reports and project feasibility, and identifying potential solutions. Engineering Systems Analyst also participates in project budgeting, scheduling document testings, overseeing data migration, supporting system updates, and working with testers and developers to ensure user satisfaction and technical compatibility. They help in implementing user manuals and training for new users. They must keep abreast with industry regulations and technical requirements.
Test technicians and engineering systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Technician | Engineering Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $43,171 | $89,433 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $61,000 | Between $67,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Nokia | Parsons |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a test technician and an engineering systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Test Technician | Engineering Systems Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between test technicians' and engineering systems analysts' demographics:
| Test Technician | Engineering Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 50 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.6% Female, 16.4% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.6% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |