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What is a systems tester and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Expert
Rebecca Allen
introduction image

Software testers are responsible for the quality of software development and deployment. Their prime tasks are to perform automated and manual tests to ensure developers' software is fit for use. Their employers might also require them to analyze software and systems, mitigate risk, and prevent software issues.

They may consider having a degree in computer science or IT and study chemistry, electrical engineering, mathematics, and physics. They can also study for an HND or foundation degree. Additionally, a diploma in software, IT, or engineering is most likely anticipated by companies.

In the US, systems testers make an average salary of $87,751 per year or $42 per hour. However, this figure can significantly vary depending upon organization, state, or qualification.

What general advice would you give to a Systems Tester?

Rebecca Allen

Mount St. Joseph University

AI, for sure. I have heard it said that AI might not replace humans, rather humans who know how to use AI well may replace humans who don't.
ScoreSystems TesterUS Average
Salary
7.5

Avg. Salary $95,834

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 36.54%

male 63.46%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
5.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.1

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.0

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Systems Tester career paths

Key steps to become a systems tester

  1. Explore systems tester education requirements

    Most common systems tester degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.7 %

    Master's

    14.1 %

    Associate

    12.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific systems tester skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Python11.82%
    Java8.81%
    C++6.62%
    C #6.62%
    Test Automation4.84%
  3. Complete relevant systems tester training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New systems testers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a systems tester based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real systems tester resumes.
  4. Research systems tester duties and responsibilities

    • Orchestrate efforts with test leads in hardware, firmware, OS and application labs to optimize program-wide system testing costs.
    • Develop web page for achieving documentation and developing a multiple user interface with JavaScript and Perl.
    • Used Perl to implement new library API, which allow communication with different types of controllers.
    • Build continuous integration system using Jenkins for internal team usage for nightly builds, sanity and regression testing.
  5. Prepare your systems tester resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your systems tester resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a systems tester resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Systems Tester Resume templates

    Build a professional Systems Tester resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Systems Tester resume.
    Systems Tester Resume
    Systems Tester Resume
    Systems Tester Resume
    Systems Tester Resume
    Systems Tester Resume
    Systems Tester Resume
    Systems Tester Resume
    Systems Tester Resume
    Systems Tester Resume
  6. Apply for systems tester jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a systems tester job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Systems Tester Job

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Average systems tester salary

The average Systems Tester salary in the United States is $95,834 per year or $46 per hour. Systems tester salaries range between $73,000 and $124,000 per year.

Average Systems Tester Salary
$95,834 Yearly
$46.07 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do systems testers rate their job?

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Systems Tester reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2020
Pros

I like testing because it can be interesting. Things can change but also stay the same. I like routine but not repetition doing the same thing. Testing isn't the best job but a good job.

Cons

Some things you test can be really picky to pass. It's likely they will always fail the first time. Some test seem to always pass and seek insufficient. I always look at productivity but also efficiency. So if not necessary by customer and always passes I can't see why a part of the test he removed especially if another part of the test will fail if it does. Options I am always open to.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Working with technology.

Cons

Automated testing is more in demand than manual testing.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2019
Pros

Interaction with colleagues

Cons

I prefer having fun joking while working, a barrier between people doesn't make me feel good.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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