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The differences between senior software engineers and senior 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 senior software engineer and a senior test engineer. Additionally, a senior software engineer has an average salary of $114,494, which is higher than the $82,775 average annual salary of a senior test engineer.
The top three skills for a senior software engineer include java, python and javascript. The most important skills for a senior test engineer are test cases, python, and java.
| Senior Software Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $114,494 | $82,775 |
| Hourly rate | $55.05 | $39.80 |
| Growth rate | 21% | - |
| Number of jobs | 338,989 | 245,814 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Senior software engineers are experienced employees who would usually take the lead in projects related to software development. They are in charge of determining the needs of the organization, checking whether there are feasible solutions to challenges, and creating plans for the development of a software solution. They provide a sound analysis of data collected during the testing phase of the software and address any problems during the software development phase. Once the software has been developed, they then ensure that it works well and that it addresses the needs and expectations of the users.
A senior test engineer is an individual who is responsible for developing and implementing cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting computer systems and equipment. Senior test engineers must assist junior engineers in developing test plans and conducting testing activities on complex systems to meet program requirements. They aid in the areas of predictability, manufacturing processing, and improvement in the equipment and process. Senior test engineers must also develop proposal inputs and reviews documents generated by junior engineers.
Senior software engineers and senior test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Software Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $114,494 | $82,775 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $151,000 | Between $63,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a senior software engineer and a senior test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Software Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between senior software engineers' and senior test engineers' demographics:
| Senior Software Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 31.8% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 8% | 11% |