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What does a senior software tester do?

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
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Senior software tester responsibilities

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

  • Work in an agile scrum methodology where requirements are broken down to user stories.
  • Create test cases and test steps for each user stories assign for testing in JIRA.
  • Perform unit and system tests on UNIX platform of CAS.
  • Verify that eXLC process is actively utilize throughout the SDLC process.
  • Report, document and followed-up on the change requests using the defect-tracking tool JIRA.
  • Help UAT testing team during critical functionality testing for fare quotes, pricing discount and ticketing.
  • Attend daily scrum meeting, sprint planning, sprint review meeting, sprint retrospective meeting, defect status meeting.
  • Organize status meetings to track the status on QA activities and keep track of new requirements/change in requirements of project.
  • Work with client to execute UAT testing efforts by providing training and co-ordination and get the sign off for final implementation.
  • Provide QA guidance during architecture design meetings to ensure system implementation plans are document.
  • Analyze test specifications and perform manual regression testing for feature release in simulate data center.
  • Perform various types/levels of testing, including usability, feature/functionality, integration, restart/recovery, regression, security, stress/performance.
  • Perform compatibility testing with various Motorola mobile handsets to ensure that functionality works fine.

Senior software tester skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12% of Senior Software Testers are proficient in Java, Test Scripts, and Regression.

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

  • Java, 12%

    Check screen level validation developed in Java Protocol.

  • Test Scripts, 5%

    Communicated/Interfaced with Systems Analysts, Project Managers, and Developers to understand/create test scripts for systems requirements.

  • Regression, 5%

    Performed extensive Component testing, Integration testing and Regression testing for the checking availability sub module.

  • Test Results, 5%

    Maintained documentation of test results and assisted in debugging and modifying software.

  • QA, 5%

    Provide QA guidance during architecture design meetings to ensure system implementation plans are documented.

  • Apache Tomcat, 5%

    Set up the different builds in Jenkins and deployed the scripts on Apache Tomcat.

Most senior software testers use their skills in "java," "test scripts," and "regression" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior software tester responsibilities here:

Most common senior software tester skills

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Compare different senior software testers

Senior software tester vs. Tester

The role of technical testers is to test computer software for defects, bug errors, or any issues that may come across by an end-user. They mainly conduct product testing and prepare reports about any problems or recommendations for improvements. Other responsibilities include reviewing test plans, assessing and analyzing product specifications and requirements, and mapping out testing strategy. Technical testers also frame the test environments or support network management staff and system administrators. Qualifications for this position include knowledge of the database or structured query language, proficiency in Linux commands, and proficiency in defect tracking tools.

We looked at the average senior software tester salary and compared it with the wages of a tester. Generally speaking, testers are paid $23,765 lower than senior software testers per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between senior software testers and testers are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like java, test scripts, and regression.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior software tester are more likely to require skills like "apache tomcat," "selenium," "development life," and "status reports." On the other hand, a job as a tester requires skills like "digital transformation," "metasploit," "api," and "test plan." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Testers tend to make the most money working in the telecommunication industry, where they earn an average salary of $74,239. In contrast, senior software testers make the biggest average salary, $101,019, in the technology industry.On average, testers reach lower levels of education than senior software testers. Testers are 10.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Senior software tester vs. System test engineer

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.

System test engineer positions earn higher pay than senior software tester roles. They earn a $11,784 higher salary than senior software testers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both senior software testers and system test engineers have skills such as "java," "test scripts," and "regression. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior software tester resumes. While senior software tester responsibilities can utilize skills like "apache tomcat," "selenium," "scrum," and "development life," system test engineers use skills like "python," "test procedures," "c++," and "rf."

System test engineers earn a higher average salary than senior software testers. But system test engineers earn the highest pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $104,792. Additionally, senior software testers earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $101,019 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. System test engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than senior software testers. In fact, they're 3.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for senior 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.

Senior software tester vs. Etl tester

An ETL tester is responsible for validating data sources, extracting data applications of transformation logic, and uploading data in target tables. They are responsible for designing, testing, and troubleshooting the company's data storage system before it goes live. They must have strong technical capabilities and good knowledge of the coding languages commonly used in ETL development, such as Java, SQL, XML. Familiarity with data warehouse architecture techniques like ODS, DM, EDW, M, and ROLAP is also needed. Employers or clients often prefer ETL developers with extensive experience in solving complex technical problems and troubleshooting.

On average scale, etl testers bring in lower salaries than senior software testers. In fact, they earn a $8,166 lower salary per year.senior software testers and etl testers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "java," "test scripts," and "regression," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior software tester resumes include skills like "apache tomcat," "selenium," "scrum," and "development life," whereas an etl tester is more likely to list skills in "test cases," "test plan," "data warehouse," and "data validation. "

Etl testers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $86,978. Comparatively, senior software testers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $101,019.When it comes to education, etl testers tend to earn higher degree levels compared to senior software testers. In fact, they're 7.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Senior software tester vs. Senior quality assurance analyst

Senior quality assurance analysts are responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance standards within an organization. They collect and analyze data to reinforce proposed projects, systems requirements, and business cases. These will include writing scripts and test plans to monitor errors and fixes in product and software development, operational systems, and information systems. Besides, they are also responsible for several tasks, including preparing reports and recommendations, communicating with suppliers and vendors in assessing applications, and conducting internal audits.

Senior quality assurance analysts average a higher salary than the annual salary of senior software testers. The difference is about $4,596 per year.While both senior software testers and senior quality assurance analysts complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like java, test scripts, and regression, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A senior software tester uses "apache tomcat," "selenium," "development life," and "regression test cases." Senior quality assurance analysts are more likely to have duties that require skills in "manual test cases," "selenium web," "data warehouse," and "front end. "senior quality assurance analysts enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $99,710. For comparison, senior software testers earn the highest salary in the technology industry.senior quality assurance analysts reach similar levels of education compared to senior software testers, in general. The difference is that they're 1.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of senior 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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