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The differences between senior web developers and lead software developers 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 web developer and a lead software developer. Additionally, a lead software developer has an average salary of $115,072, which is higher than the $97,916 average annual salary of a senior web developer.
The top three skills for a senior web developer include javascript, web application and CSS. The most important skills for a lead software developer are java, architecture, and application development.
| Senior Web Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,916 | $115,072 |
| Hourly rate | $47.08 | $55.32 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 239,535 | 309,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A senior web developer is responsible for designing, building, and optimizing websites and other software applications. You are expected to perform a few tasks that include identifying client specifications and user requirements, working closely with teams and clients, and testing and documenting software for websites. Other duties include writing, modifying, and debugging websites, keeping up-to-date with the latest social marketing trends, and supervising junior web developers. You will also be responsible for writing code to create web pages and to work closely with mobile developers.
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Senior web developers and lead software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Web Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $97,916 | $115,072 |
| Salary range | Between $74,000 And $127,000 | Between $87,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Pacific Investment Management Company LLC | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Media | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a senior web developer and a lead software developer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Web Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between senior web developers' and lead software developers' demographics:
| Senior Web Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.5% Female, 18.5% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 16.0% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |