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The differences between lead software testers and senior software engineers 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 software engineer. Additionally, a senior software engineer has an average salary of $114,494, 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 senior software engineer are java, python, and javascript.
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,101 | $114,494 |
| Hourly rate | $48.13 | $55.05 |
| Growth rate | - | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 229,582 | 338,989 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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.
Senior software engineers are experienced employees who would usually take the lead in projects related to software development. They are in charge of determining the needs of the organization, checking whether there are feasible solutions to challenges, and creating plans for the development of a software solution. They provide a sound analysis of data collected during the testing phase of the software and address any problems during the software development phase. Once the software has been developed, they then ensure that it works well and that it addresses the needs and expectations of the users.
Lead software testers and senior software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,101 | $114,494 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $129,000 | Between $86,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Zscaler | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Retail |
There are a few differences between a lead software tester and a senior software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 senior software engineers' demographics:
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.5% Female, 32.5% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 31.8% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |