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The differences between lead software testers and senior quality analysts 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 senior quality analyst. Additionally, a lead software tester has an average salary of $100,101, which is higher than the $89,722 average annual salary of a senior quality analyst.
The top three skills for a lead software tester include test cases, software development and scrum. The most important skills for a senior quality analyst are data analysis, test cases, and QA.
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Quality Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $100,101 | $89,722 |
| Hourly rate | $48.13 | $43.14 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 229,582 | 126,363 |
| 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.
A senior quality assurance analyst specializes in inspecting and assessing the quality of software and systems in a company, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include developing specific test structures, coordinating with different departments to gather data, troubleshooting, and studying client complaints to prevent issues from happening again. They may also perform regular maintenance checks, recommending solutions as needed. Furthermore, as a senior quality assurance analyst, it is essential to lead the quality assurance efforts on systems, all while serving as a mentor and role model to junior analysts.
Lead software testers and senior quality analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Quality Analyst | |
| Average salary | $100,101 | $89,722 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $129,000 | Between $71,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Zscaler | |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Finance |
There are a few differences between a lead software tester and a senior quality analyst in terms of educational background:
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Quality Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between lead software testers' and senior quality analysts' demographics:
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Quality Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.5% Female, 32.5% | Male, 42.8% Female, 57.2% |
| 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% |