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The differences between automation leads 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 an automation lead and a test analyst. Additionally, an automation lead has an average salary of $106,261, which is higher than the $70,997 average annual salary of a test analyst.
The top three skills for an automation lead include java, python and C++. The most important skills for a test analyst are test scripts, test plan, and regression.
| Automation Lead | Test Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $106,261 | $70,997 |
| Hourly rate | $51.09 | $34.13 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 36,010 | 91,308 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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.
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.
Automation leads and test analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Lead | Test Analyst | |
| Average salary | $106,261 | $70,997 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $137,000 | Between $56,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | General Motors | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between an automation lead and a test analyst in terms of educational background:
| Automation Lead | Test Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between automation leads' and test analysts' demographics:
| Automation Lead | Test Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3% | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% |
| 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% |