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The differences between automation leads and software test engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an automation lead and a software test engineer. Additionally, an automation lead has an average salary of $106,261, which is higher than the $85,338 average annual salary of a software test engineer.
The top three skills for an automation lead include java, python and C++. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Automation Lead | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $106,261 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $51.09 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 36,010 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An Automation Lead is primarily in charge of testing and operating automated machinery in manufacturing facilities. They typically work together with automation teams, adhere to guidelines and protocols, meet project requirements, and produce progress reports. There are also instances when an automation lead may participate in conceptualizing machinery, conducting research and analyses, and addressing issues and concerns. Moreover, an Automation Lead usually works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Software engineers are responsible for coordinating the process of analyzing computer software programs. This process requires creating and implementing testing methods, documenting the test results, and providing recommendations for software improvements. They are also responsible for other tasks, including writing software testing procedures and creating testing scripts using different programming languages. A software engineer also collaborates with software developers and other staff members from the start and completion of a particular project. Having a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or information technology is needed to become a software engineer.
Automation leads and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Lead | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $106,261 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $137,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an automation lead and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation Lead | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between automation leads' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Automation Lead | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3% | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% |
| 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% |