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What does a lead software tester do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.

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.

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Lead software tester responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead software tester resumes:

  • Project also define UI standards for adaptive applications and define process to manage UI design standards for adaptive applications.
  • Manage departmental inventory and troubleshoot testing, reporting and inventory issues.
  • Test, verify and automate tests for the hardware interface API using java.
  • Work with in all aspects of the SDLC.
  • Defect logging and monitoring using JIRA.
  • Create new Linux users and groups.
  • Follow SDLC processes and ITIL methodologies.
  • Introduce Jira to improve product management and defect tracking.
  • Perform back-end testing in MYSQL using JDBC in SOAPUI.
  • Implement tests and batch runs and logging with Log4J API.
  • Create automation test plans and hold daily scrum with offshore team.
  • Have used Jenkins for building the project and generate the reports.
  • Experience in web-services testing using SOAPUI toolto increase the efficiency of the application.
  • Perform system, performance and functional testing on the LINUX framework program applications.
  • Develop and execute XML scripts to simulate order input via API calls to printers.

Lead software tester skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Lead Software Testers are proficient in Test Cases, Software Development, and Scrum.

We break down the percentage of Lead Software Testers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Test Cases, 7%

    Developed test procedure and test cases based on specific requirements, including identification of test methods.

  • Software Development, 6%

    Received Department of Energy Award for outstanding service and quality of Information Technology Software Development.

  • Scrum, 6%

    Collaborated with cross-functional teams throughout Agile Scrum development process.

  • Test Automation, 5%

    Initiated adoption of test automation, increasing efficiency and allowing greater test coverage.

  • Java, 5%

    Performed Functional, Negative, Regression and Smoke Tests on the new enhancements added to the web application using Java.

  • Test Results, 4%

    Developed scripts in Windows Shell, VB, XML and PERL to improve test coverage and better evaluate test results.

Common skills that a lead software tester uses to do their job include "test cases," "software development," and "scrum." You can find details on the most important lead software tester responsibilities below.

Most common lead software tester skills

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Compare different lead software testers

Lead software tester vs. Quality assurance lead

A quality assurance lead, also known as QA Lead, is responsible for conducting necessary quality tests and analyses for software program and development. As a quality assurance lead, they must take the lead in ensuring quality during development by proactively performing critical evaluations, troubleshooting, and providing precise documentation. It is also essential to identify issues and resolve them as soon as possible. Furthermore, a quality assurance lead must maintain an active line of communication and coordination as most of the work will be in a team setting.

We looked at the average lead software tester salary and compared it with the wages of a quality assurance lead. Generally speaking, quality assurance leads are paid $5,343 lower than lead software testers per year.Even though lead software testers and quality assurance leads are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require test cases, scrum, and java in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between lead software testers and quality assurance lead. For instance, lead software tester responsibilities require skills such as "software development," "test automation," "c++," and "selenium." Whereas a quality assurance lead is skilled in "test plan," "selenium webdriver," "data validation," and "dev." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Quality assurance leads earn the highest salaries when working in the retail industry, with an average yearly salary of $105,673. On the other hand, lead software testers are paid more in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $117,778.quality assurance leads tend to reach similar levels of education than lead software testers. In fact, quality assurance leads are 4.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Lead software tester vs. Quality assurance team leader

A quality assurance (QA) team leader is an individual who is responsible for managing a team of engineers from the quality assurance department of an organization to participate in the overall QA planning and activities. QA team leaders are required to play the key role as a member of the project management team to ensure that the product exceeded user expectations. They must develop and implement QA processes and supervise daily QA activities to maximize quality and productivity. QA team leaders must also prepare and report audited results to the organization's site senior management.

Quality assurance team leader positions earn lower pay than lead software tester roles. They earn a $2,625 lower salary than lead software testers per year.A few skills overlap for lead software testers and quality assurance team leaders. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "scrum," "java," and "test results. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real lead software tester resumes. While lead software tester responsibilities can utilize skills like "test cases," "software development," "test automation," and "configuration management," quality assurance team leaders use skills like "manual test cases," "web services," "dev," and "project management."

Quality assurance team leaders may earn a lower salary than lead software testers, but quality assurance team leaders earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $105,602. On the other hand, lead software testers receive higher pay in the telecommunication industry, where they earn an average salary of $117,778.In general, quality assurance team leaders achieve similar levels of education than lead software testers. They're 0.5% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for lead software testers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Lead software tester vs. Senior quality analyst

A senior quality assurance analyst specializes in inspecting and assessing the quality of software and systems in a company, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include developing specific test structures, coordinating with different departments to gather data, troubleshooting, and studying client complaints to prevent issues from happening again. They may also perform regular maintenance checks, recommending solutions as needed. Furthermore, as a senior quality assurance analyst, it is essential to lead the quality assurance efforts on systems, all while serving as a mentor and role model to junior analysts.

On average scale, senior quality analysts bring in lower salaries than lead software testers. In fact, they earn a $10,379 lower salary per year.lead software testers and senior quality analysts both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "test cases," "scrum," and "java," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, lead software testers are more likely to have skills like "software development," "test automation," "c++," and "selenium." But a senior quality analyst is more likely to have skills like "data analysis," "patients," "data integrity," and "selenium web."

Senior quality analysts make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $93,397. On the other hand, lead software testers are paid the highest salary in the telecommunication industry, with average annual pay of $117,778.senior quality analysts typically earn higher educational levels compared to lead software testers. Specifically, they're 7.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Lead software tester vs. Senior quality assurance engineer

A senior quality assurance engineer oversees the testing procedures conducted in software development, ensuring technical accuracy and efficiency. They are primarily responsible for working alongside software designers and quality engineers, reviewing quality control reports, inspecting specifications, and devising particular test procedures. Moreover, it is also essential to troubleshoot issues and identify any inconsistencies or bugs. As someone with more experience in the team, they must supervise and serve as a mentor to the younger quality assurance engineers in the joint effort to develop efficient software.

Senior quality assurance engineers typically earn higher pay than lead software testers. On average, senior quality assurance engineers earn a $6,701 higher salary per year.According to resumes from lead software testers and senior quality assurance engineers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "scrum," "test automation," and "java. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "test cases," "software development," "selenium," and "status reports" are skills that commonly show up on lead software tester resumes. On the other hand, senior quality assurance engineers use skills like python, git, manual test cases, and selenium web on their resumes.The telecommunication industry tends to pay the highest salaries for senior quality assurance engineers, with average annual pay of $112,284. Comparatively, the highest lead software tester annual salary comes from the telecommunication industry.In general, senior quality assurance engineers hold similar degree levels compared to lead software testers. Senior quality assurance engineers are 4.8% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of lead software tester

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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