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The differences between validation engineers and test analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a validation engineer and a test analyst. Additionally, a validation engineer has an average salary of $82,004, which is higher than the $70,997 average annual salary of a test analyst.
The top three skills for a validation engineer include python, FDA and GMP. The most important skills for a test analyst are test scripts, test plan, and regression.
| Validation Engineer | Test Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $82,004 | $70,997 |
| Hourly rate | $39.42 | $34.13 |
| Growth rate | 3% | - |
| Number of jobs | 28,394 | 91,308 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A validation engineer is an individual responsible for managing, inspecting, testing, and modifying the instrumentation, equipment, mechanics, and procedures for the production of high-quality products. The professional's tasks include analyzing test results, preparing compliance reports, and keeping updated with industry standards and regulations. Validation engineers should possess core skills such as strong mathematical and information technology skills and the ability to resolve complex engineering problems. Possessing a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is an advantage to qualify for the position.
The duties of a test analyst depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a test analyst is responsible for testing computer software or hardware to ensure its quality before being released in the market. They participate in the development process to monitor the product specifications, review and analyze documentation, and create test systems, implementing them promptly and efficiently. As a test analyst, it is essential to produce progress reports, prepare presentations, and even give recommendations.
Validation engineers and test analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Validation Engineer | Test Analyst | |
| Average salary | $82,004 | $70,997 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $107,000 | Between $56,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Meta | General Motors |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a validation engineer and a test analyst in terms of educational background:
| Validation Engineer | Test Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between validation engineers' and test analysts' demographics:
| Validation Engineer | Test Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5% | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 22.9% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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 | 5% | 11% |