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The differences between testers and software 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 software tester. Additionally, a software tester has an average salary of $78,580, 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 software tester are test results, regression, and test scripts.
| Tester | Software Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $65,202 | $78,580 |
| Hourly rate | $31.35 | $37.78 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 52,595 | 208,853 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
The responsibility of software testers involves the quality assurance of software development and deployment. Software testers conduct manual and automated tests to make sure that the software is developed for its purpose. They remove the issues and bugs within a product before deployment to users. Their responsibilities include software and systems analysis, risk mitigation, and software-related issue prevention. They should have skills in automation, programming, social networking, logical thinking, and mobile and web technology.
Testers and software testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tester | Software Tester | |
| Average salary | $65,202 | $78,580 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $99,000 | Between $61,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Apple | Nordstrom |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Technology |
There are a few differences between a tester and a software tester in terms of educational background:
| Tester | Software Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | - | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between testers' and software testers' demographics:
| Tester | Software Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% | Male, 62.1% Female, 37.9% |
| 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% |