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The differences between lead software testers and software 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 software test engineer. Additionally, a lead software tester has an average salary of $100,101, which is higher than the $85,338 average annual salary of a software test engineer.
The top three skills for a lead software tester include test cases, software development and scrum. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Lead Software Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,101 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $48.13 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 229,582 | 243,382 |
| 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.
Software engineers are responsible for coordinating the process of analyzing computer software programs. This process requires creating and implementing testing methods, documenting the test results, and providing recommendations for software improvements. They are also responsible for other tasks, including writing software testing procedures and creating testing scripts using different programming languages. A software engineer also collaborates with software developers and other staff members from the start and completion of a particular project. Having a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or information technology is needed to become a software engineer.
Lead software testers and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Software Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,101 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $129,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Zscaler | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a lead software tester and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Software Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between lead software testers' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Lead Software Tester | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.5% Female, 32.5% | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% |
| 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, 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% |