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The differences between testers and functional testers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a tester and a functional tester. Additionally, a functional tester has an average salary of $76,647, which is higher than the $65,202 average annual salary of a tester.
The top three skills for a tester include java, test results and web application. The most important skills for a functional tester are java, test cases, and web application.
| Tester | Functional Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $65,202 | $76,647 |
| Hourly rate | $31.35 | $36.85 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 52,595 | 37,146 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The role of technical testers is to test computer software for defects, bug errors, or any issues that may come across by an end-user. They mainly conduct product testing and prepare reports about any problems or recommendations for improvements. Other responsibilities include reviewing test plans, assessing and analyzing product specifications and requirements, and mapping out testing strategy. Technical testers also frame the test environments or support network management staff and system administrators. Qualifications for this position include knowledge of the database or structured query language, proficiency in Linux commands, and proficiency in defect tracking tools.
A functional tester's main responsibility is to validate the behavior of an application and analyzed the requirements of the clients. They are skilled in Java and database design for software development. The tasks they do are complex, including scanning IDs of the receiver and serial numbers on each unit, testing the units to make sure they work properly, and checking for any defects and damages. They are also trained in using numerical codes for passing or failing each unit and writing serial numbers on the production tracker.
Testers and functional testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tester | Functional Tester | |
| Average salary | $65,202 | $76,647 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $99,000 | Between $61,000 And $94,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Bellevue, WA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Cerner |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Technology |
There are a few differences between a tester and a functional tester in terms of educational background:
| Tester | Functional Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | - | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between testers' and functional testers' demographics:
| Tester | Functional Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% | Male, 65.3% Female, 34.7% |
| 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% |