What does a senior software tester do?
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:
The three companies that hire the most senior software testers are:
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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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Types of senior software tester
Updated January 8, 2025











