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The differences between lead software testers and lead test technicians 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 test technician. Additionally, a lead software tester has an average salary of $100,101, which is higher than the $81,566 average annual salary of a lead test technician.
The top three skills for a lead software tester include test cases, software development and scrum. The most important skills for a lead test technician are java, QA, and test strategy.
| Lead Software Tester | Lead Test Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $100,101 | $81,566 |
| Hourly rate | $48.13 | $39.21 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 229,582 | 51,060 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| 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.
Lead test technicians are professionals who are responsible for leading a group of test professionals to test products and report their findings to engineers or product developers. These technicians are required to design and develop test plans and procedures so that they can validate the requirements of products. They are required to use various test equipment as well as to conduct maintenance to ensure the product's functionality and quality. Lead test technicians must also gather and analyze user feedback to improve the overall user experience and satisfaction.
Lead software testers and lead test technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Software Tester | Lead Test Technician | |
| Average salary | $100,101 | $81,566 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $129,000 | Between $65,000 And $101,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Zscaler | Macy's |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a lead software tester and a lead test technician in terms of educational background:
| Lead Software Tester | Lead Test Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between lead software testers' and lead test technicians' demographics:
| Lead Software Tester | Lead Test Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.5% Female, 32.5% | Male, 70.3% Female, 29.7% |
| 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% |