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The differences between test developers and lead 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 test developer and a lead developer. Additionally, a lead developer has an average salary of $116,340, which is higher than the $92,711 average annual salary of a test developer.
The top three skills for a test developer include python, java and C++. The most important skills for a lead developer are java, javascript, and architecture.
| Test Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,711 | $116,340 |
| Hourly rate | $44.57 | $55.93 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 259,893 | 274,208 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The job of a Test Developer is to write the codes for and implement the programs that automatically test software for any bugs whatsoever. He/She uses QC to track bugs and create reports and designs, as well as implements javascript validations. At the same time, as a test developer, you will be required to implement several design patterns and API to facilitate performance for the standardization of codes. In essence, as a Test Developer, you will be responsible for running tests on all production units to ensure a high-quality product and to check for defects that require change.
A lead developer is responsible for creating software programs and applications, following the client and the business's software quality standards and design specifications. Lead developers assist a team of developers in implementing strategic procedures, managing system codes, debugging applications, running diagnostic tests, and troubleshooting defects to ensure its smooth performance. They also respond to clients' inquiries and concerns, performing feature adjustments as needed. A lead developer must have strong knowledge of the technology industry and command on programming languages and software design processes.
Test developers and lead developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Average salary | $92,711 | $116,340 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $119,000 | Between $83,000 And $161,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Retail |
There are a few differences between a test developer and a lead developer in terms of educational background:
| Test Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between test developers' and lead developers' demographics:
| Test Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.0% Female, 36.0% | Male, 76.4% Female, 23.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |