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The differences between lead test technicians 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 test technician and a software test engineer. Additionally, a software test engineer has an average salary of $85,338, which is higher than the $81,566 average annual salary of a lead test technician.
The top three skills for a lead test technician include java, QA and test strategy. The most important skills for a software test engineer are python, java, and test automation.
| Lead Test Technician | Software Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $81,566 | $85,338 |
| Hourly rate | $39.21 | $41.03 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 51,060 | 243,382 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Lead test technicians are professionals who are responsible for leading a group of test professionals to test products and report their findings to engineers or product developers. These technicians are required to design and develop test plans and procedures so that they can validate the requirements of products. They are required to use various test equipment as well as to conduct maintenance to ensure the product's functionality and quality. Lead test technicians must also gather and analyze user feedback to improve the overall user experience and satisfaction.
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 test technicians and software test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Test Technician | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $81,566 | $85,338 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $101,000 | Between $63,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Macy's | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a lead test technician and a software test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Test Technician | Software Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between lead test technicians' and software test engineers' demographics:
| Lead Test Technician | Software Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.3% Female, 29.7% | 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% |