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The differences between test managers and quality assurance leads 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 manager and a quality assurance lead. Additionally, a quality assurance lead has an average salary of $94,758, which is higher than the $92,297 average annual salary of a test manager.
The top three skills for a test manager include QA, project management and java. The most important skills for a quality assurance lead are QA, test cases, and test plan.
| Test Manager | Quality Assurance Lead | |
| Yearly salary | $92,297 | $94,758 |
| Hourly rate | $44.37 | $45.56 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 27,489 | 82,242 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A test manager is responsible for supervising the content of test activities and ensuring that the scope meets the test requirements. Test managers monitor the test process and determine the accurate strategies to establish efficient methods for the success of test deliveries. They also identify the resources according to quality standards and budget limitations. A test manager oversees the technical controls of the test processes and measures the quality of tools and applications for optimal automation.
A quality assurance lead, also known as QA Lead, is responsible for conducting necessary quality tests and analyses for software program and development. As a quality assurance lead, they must take the lead in ensuring quality during development by proactively performing critical evaluations, troubleshooting, and providing precise documentation. It is also essential to identify issues and resolve them as soon as possible. Furthermore, a quality assurance lead must maintain an active line of communication and coordination as most of the work will be in a team setting.
Test managers and quality assurance leads have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Manager | Quality Assurance Lead | |
| Average salary | $92,297 | $94,758 |
| Salary range | Between $71,000 And $119,000 | Between $72,000 And $123,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Retail |
There are a few differences between a test manager and a quality assurance lead in terms of educational background:
| Test Manager | Quality Assurance Lead | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between test managers' and quality assurance leads' demographics:
| Test Manager | Quality Assurance Lead | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.7% Female, 28.3% | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% |
| 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% |