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The differences between testers and senior quality assurance testers 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 tester. Additionally, a senior quality assurance tester has an average salary of $93,770, 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 tester are test cases, QA, and regression.
| Tester | Senior Quality Assurance Tester | |
| Yearly salary | $65,202 | $93,770 |
| Hourly rate | $31.35 | $45.08 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 52,595 | 81,916 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| 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.
A senior quality assurance tester manages junior quality assurance staff. They test documents, lead testing procedures, and ensure customer satisfaction. They also work with an engineering development team to make updates to software.
Testers and senior quality assurance testers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tester | Senior Quality Assurance Tester | |
| Average salary | $65,202 | $93,770 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $99,000 | Between $73,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Apple | Sagarsoft |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Technology |
There are a few differences between a tester and a senior quality assurance tester in terms of educational background:
| Tester | Senior Quality Assurance Tester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between testers' and senior quality assurance testers' demographics:
| Tester | Senior Quality Assurance Tester | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% | Male, 56.4% Female, 43.6% |
| 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% |