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The differences between lead software testers and lead software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a lead software tester and a lead software developer. Additionally, a lead software developer has an average salary of $115,072, which is higher than the $100,101 average annual salary of a lead software tester.
The top three skills for a lead software tester include test cases, software development and scrum. The most important skills for a lead software developer are java, architecture, and application development.
| Lead Software Tester | Lead Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,101 | $115,072 |
| Hourly rate | $48.13 | $55.32 |
| Growth rate | - | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 229,582 | 309,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A software tester is responsible for performing manual and automated tests to ensure that all software meets quality standards. Their tasks include analyzing and reviewing software and creating solutions for possible risk. Software testing is a process of verifying a computer program and determining if it meets guidelines. This career is essential because it is a significant factor in producing a standardized product.
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Lead software testers and lead software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Software Tester | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $100,101 | $115,072 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $129,000 | Between $87,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Zscaler | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a lead software tester and a lead software developer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Software Tester | Lead Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between lead software testers' and lead software developers' demographics:
| Lead Software Tester | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.5% Female, 32.5% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |