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The differences between testers and senior quality assurance analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a tester and a senior quality assurance analyst. Additionally, a senior quality assurance analyst has an average salary of $93,563, which is higher than the $65,202 average annual salary of a tester.
The top three skills for a tester include java, test results and web application. The most important skills for a senior quality assurance analyst are QA, manual test cases, and regression.
| Tester | Senior Quality Assurance Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $65,202 | $93,563 |
| Hourly rate | $31.35 | $44.98 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 52,595 | 123,719 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Testers and senior quality assurance analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tester | Senior Quality Assurance Analyst | |
| Average salary | $65,202 | $93,563 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $99,000 | Between $74,000 And $117,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Riot Games |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Finance |
There are a few differences between a tester and a senior quality assurance analyst in terms of educational background:
| Tester | Senior Quality Assurance Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between testers' and senior quality assurance analysts' demographics:
| Tester | Senior Quality Assurance Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% | Male, 52.8% Female, 47.2% |
| 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% |