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The differences between lead software testers and software development 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 software development engineer. Additionally, a software development engineer has an average salary of $109,147, 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 software development engineer are java, software development, and AWS.
| Lead Software Tester | Software Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,101 | $109,147 |
| Hourly rate | $48.13 | $52.47 |
| Growth rate | - | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 229,582 | 356,971 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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.
A software development engineer is responsible for designing and developing software systems and applications based on clients' specifications and business needs. Software development engineers manage operating systems and analyze network codes to maintain the compatibility of the software applications and control systems. They also run diagnostic tests for every software structure to ensure smooth navigations and perform immediate troubleshooting for inconsistencies. A software development engineer must have a strong command of programming languages, as well as technological processes and analytical skills.
Lead software testers and software development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Software Tester | Software Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,101 | $109,147 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $129,000 | Between $80,000 And $147,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Zscaler | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Technology |
There are a few differences between a lead software tester and a software development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Software Tester | Software Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between lead software testers' and software development engineers' demographics:
| Lead Software Tester | Software Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.5% Female, 32.5% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 32.7% White, 49.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |