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The differences between lead test technicians and system 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 system test engineer. Additionally, a system test engineer has an average salary of $100,751, 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 system test engineer are python, test procedures, and C++.
| Lead Test Technician | System Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $81,566 | $100,751 |
| Hourly rate | $39.21 | $48.44 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 51,060 | 131,653 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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.
A system test engineer is responsible for performing diagnostic tests on computer systems and applications, measuring its performance and efficiency, and recommending technical solutions as needed. System test engineers assist in system configuration and network infrastructure, ensuring that the deliverables meet the business requirements and project specifications. They should have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages, to automate scripts for quality check methodologies. A system test engineer coordinates with the technology team in improving the user interface, including navigation and server stability.
Lead test technicians and system test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Test Technician | System Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $81,566 | $100,751 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $101,000 | Between $76,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Petaluma, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Macy's | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Professional |
There are a few differences between a lead test technician and a system test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Test Technician | System Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between lead test technicians' and system test engineers' demographics:
| Lead Test Technician | System Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.3% Female, 29.7% | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% |
| 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% |