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The differences between lead software testers and 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 software engineer. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, 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 engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Lead Software Tester | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,101 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $48.13 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | - | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 229,582 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Lead software testers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Software Tester | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,101 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $129,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Zscaler | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a lead software tester and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Software Tester | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between lead software testers' and software engineers' demographics:
| Lead Software Tester | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.5% Female, 32.5% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |