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The differences between lead software testers and quality assurance leads 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 quality assurance lead. Additionally, a lead software tester has an average salary of $100,101, which is higher than the $94,758 average annual salary of a quality assurance lead.
The top three skills for a lead software tester include test cases, software development and scrum. The most important skills for a quality assurance lead are QA, test cases, and test plan.
| Lead Software Tester | Quality Assurance Lead | |
| Yearly salary | $100,101 | $94,758 |
| Hourly rate | $48.13 | $45.56 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 229,582 | 82,242 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| 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.
A quality assurance lead, also known as QA Lead, is responsible for conducting necessary quality tests and analyses for software program and development. As a quality assurance lead, they must take the lead in ensuring quality during development by proactively performing critical evaluations, troubleshooting, and providing precise documentation. It is also essential to identify issues and resolve them as soon as possible. Furthermore, a quality assurance lead must maintain an active line of communication and coordination as most of the work will be in a team setting.
Lead software testers and quality assurance leads have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Software Tester | Quality Assurance Lead | |
| Average salary | $100,101 | $94,758 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $129,000 | Between $72,000 And $123,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Zscaler | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Retail |
There are a few differences between a lead software tester and a quality assurance lead in terms of educational background:
| Lead Software Tester | Quality Assurance Lead | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between lead software testers' and quality assurance leads' demographics:
| Lead Software Tester | Quality Assurance Lead | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.5% Female, 32.5% | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% |
| 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% |