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The differences between software test 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 software test engineer and a senior test engineer. Additionally, a software test engineer has an average salary of $85,338, which is higher than the $82,775 average annual salary of a senior test engineer.
The top three skills for a software test engineer include python, java and test automation. The most important skills for a senior test engineer are test cases, python, and java.
| Software Test Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $85,338 | $82,775 |
| Hourly rate | $41.03 | $39.80 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 243,382 | 245,814 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Software engineers are responsible for coordinating the process of analyzing computer software programs. This process requires creating and implementing testing methods, documenting the test results, and providing recommendations for software improvements. They are also responsible for other tasks, including writing software testing procedures and creating testing scripts using different programming languages. A software engineer also collaborates with software developers and other staff members from the start and completion of a particular project. Having a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or information technology is needed to become a software engineer.
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.
Software test engineers and senior test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Test Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $85,338 | $82,775 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $115,000 | Between $63,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a software test engineer and a senior test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Test Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between software test engineers' and senior test engineers' demographics:
| Software Test Engineer | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4% | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% |
| 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% |