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The differences between lead software testers and senior test 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 test engineer. Additionally, a lead software tester has an average salary of $100,101, which is higher than the $82,775 average annual salary of a senior test engineer.
The top three skills for a lead software tester include test cases, software development and scrum. The most important skills for a senior test engineer are test cases, python, and java.
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,101 | $82,775 |
| Hourly rate | $48.13 | $39.80 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 229,582 | 245,814 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 test engineer is an individual who is responsible for developing and implementing cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting computer systems and equipment. Senior test engineers must assist junior engineers in developing test plans and conducting testing activities on complex systems to meet program requirements. They aid in the areas of predictability, manufacturing processing, and improvement in the equipment and process. Senior test engineers must also develop proposal inputs and reviews documents generated by junior engineers.
Lead software testers and senior test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,101 | $82,775 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $129,000 | Between $63,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Zscaler | |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a lead software tester and a senior test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between lead software testers' and senior test engineers' demographics:
| Lead Software Tester | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.5% Female, 32.5% | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% |
| 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% |